Balance of Power MCQs - International Relations IR

1. What is the primary goal of the Balance of Power theory in IR? A. Economic growth B. Technological advancement C. Preventing any one state from dominating the international system D. Cultural exchange Answer: C 2. Which of the following best describes a unipolar system? A. A system with two dominant states B. A system with multiple dominant states C. A system with one dominant state D. A system with no dominant state Answer: C 3. Which of the following is a key concept in the Balance of Power theory? A. Bandwagoning B. Interdependence C. Hegemony D. Equilibrium Answer: D 4. Who is often credited with the classical articulation of the Balance of Power theory? A. Thucydides B. Niccolò Machiavelli C. Hans Morgenthau D. Kenneth Waltz Answer: A 5. In a bipolar system, power is concentrated: A. In one state B. In two states C. Equally among all states D. In non-state actors Answer: B 6. Which historical period is often cited as an example of a multipolar balance of power system? A. The Cold War B. The Napoleonic Wars C. The 19th-century Concert of Europe D. The Pax Romana Answer: C 7. The concept of “balancing” in IR refers to: A. States aligning with a stronger power B. States increasing their own power or forming alliances to counter a stronger power C. States avoiding conflicts altogether D. States focusing on economic growth Answer: B 8. The Cold War is an example of which type of international system? A. Unipolar B. Bipolar C. Multipolar D. Non-polar Answer: B 9. “Bandwagoning” occurs when states: A. Increase their own power to counter a threat B. Align with a stronger power for protection C. Remain neutral in conflicts D. Focus on economic development Answer: B 10. Which theory suggests that states are more likely to balance against rather than bandwagon with a threatening power? A. Liberalism B. Realism C. Constructivism D. Marxism Answer: B 11. Which of the following best describes an “offshore balancer”? A. A state that avoids all alliances B. A state that intervenes directly in continental conflicts C. A state that supports regional powers to balance against a potential hegemon D. A state that focuses solely on economic policies Answer: C 12. The Balance of Power theory is most closely associated with which IR paradigm? A. Liberalism B. Realism C. Constructivism D. Feminism Answer: B 13. Which event marked the end of the bipolar balance of power system during the Cold War? A. The Cuban Missile Crisis B. The Vietnam War C. The fall of the Berlin Wall D. The Korean War Answer: C 14. In a multipolar system, power is: A. Concentrated in one state B. Concentrated in two states C. Distributed among several states D. Equally shared among all states Answer: C 15. The “Concert of Europe” aimed to: A. Establish a unipolar system B. Create a lasting peace through a balance of power C. Promote economic integration D. Develop technological innovations Answer: B 16. The Balance of Power theory assumes that states act primarily out of: A. Altruism B. Economic motives C. Self-interest and the pursuit of power D. Ideological commitments Answer: C 17. Which of the following is an example of a “balancer” state in history? A. The United States during the Cold War B. France during the Napoleonic Wars C. Great Britain during the 19th century D. China in the 21st century Answer: C 18. Which IR theory critiques the Balance of Power for failing to account for the role of international institutions? A. Realism B. Liberalism C. Constructivism D. Marxism Answer: B 19. “Polarity” in the context of IR refers to: A. The distribution of power among states in the international system B. The economic policies of states C. The cultural exchanges between states D. The technological advancements of states Answer: A 20. According to Balance of Power theory, when a state becomes too powerful, other states will: A. Support it B. Ignore it C. Form alliances against it D. Focus on economic growth Answer: C 21. The concept of “hegemonic stability theory” is: A. Compatible with Balance of Power theory B. In direct opposition to Balance of Power theory C. Focused on cultural exchanges D. Primarily concerned with technological advancement Answer: B 22. Which of the following best describes a “balancing coalition”? A. A group of states that support a single hegemon B. A group of states that combine their power to counter a stronger state or coalition C. An economic trade agreement D. A technological alliance Answer: B 23. The Balance of Power can be maintained through: A. Military buildup B. Alliances and diplomacy C. Economic sanctions D. Cultural exchanges Answer: B 24. Which historical event is often cited as an example of a failed balance of power? A. The Thirty Years’ War B. World War I C. The Cold War D. The Gulf War Answer: B 25. Which term describes the policy of preventing any one state from becoming too powerful? A. Containment B. Détente C. Balance of Power D. Appeasement Answer: C 26. The Balance of Power theory is criticized for: A. Focusing too much on economic factors B. Ignoring the role of international institutions C. Overemphasizing technological advancements D. Underestimating cultural exchanges Answer: B 27. Which concept refers to states aligning with a stronger power to share in the spoils of dominance? A. Balancing B. Bandwagoning C. Containment D. Isolationism Answer: B 28. Which of the following is a criticism of the Balance of Power theory? A. It overemphasizes the role of international institutions B. It assumes states always act rationally C. It ignores economic factors D. It underestimates cultural influences Answer: B 29. Which event led to the shift from a multipolar to a bipolar system in the 20th century? A. World War I B. The Cold War C. The fall of the Soviet Union D. The Treaty of Versailles Answer: B 30. The concept of “balance of threat” differs from the Balance of Power in that it: A. Focuses on economic threats B. Emphasizes cultural threats C. Considers the intentions and capabilities of potential threats D. Is primarily concerned with technological threats Answer: C 31. In a unipolar system, the dominant state is referred to as: A. A hegemon B. A balancer C. A bandwagoner D. A rogue state Answer: A 32. Which alliance was formed as a counterbalance to NATO during the Cold War? A. The Warsaw Pact B. The European Union C. SEATO D. The Non-Aligned Movement Answer: A 33. The concept of “security dilemma” is closely related to the Balance of Power theory because: A. It focuses on economic security B. It describes how states’ efforts to increase their security can lead to increased insecurity C. It emphasizes cultural exchanges D. It promotes international cooperation Answer: B 34. Which of the following is NOT a key assumption of the Balance of Power theory? A. States are rational actors B. Power is the main currency in international relations C. States seek to maximize their cultural influence D. International order depends on a balance of power among states Answer: C 35. “Chain-ganging” refers to: A. States forming economic coalitions B. States being dragged into conflicts due to alliance commitments C. States focusing on technological innovation D. States engaging in cultural exchanges Answer: B 36. Which of the following best illustrates “buck-passing” in international relations? A. States allying with a stronger power B. States increasing their own military capabilities C. States attempting to shift the responsibility of countering a threat onto another state D. States forming economic partnerships Answer: C 37. Which of the following events exemplifies the balance of power principle in action? A. The Marshall Plan B. The formation of NATO C. The signing of the Kyoto Protocol D. The establishment of the World Trade Organization Answer: B 38. Which IR theory argues that the Balance of Power leads to a more stable international system? A. Realism B. Liberalism C. Constructivism D. Feminism Answer: A 39. During which period was the Balance of Power most explicitly pursued as a policy by European states? A. The Renaissance B. The Napoleonic Wars C. The 19th-century Concert of Europe D. The Cold War Answer: C 40. Which term refers to the distribution of power where no single state or coalition dominates? A. Unipolarity B. Bipolarity C. Multipolarity D. Hegemony Answer: C 41. The “balance of power” strategy can involve: A. Disarmament B. Neutrality C. Arms buildup and forming alliances D. Isolationism Answer: C 42. Which principle underpins the Balance of Power theory in preventing wars? A. Deterrence through mutually assured destruction B. Complete disarmament C. Equality of power among states D. Economic interdependence Answer: C 43. Which of the following strategies is least likely to be used by a state seeking to maintain a balance of power? A. Building military alliances B. Increasing its own military capabilities C. Avoiding all international commitments D. Diplomatic negotiations to form coalitions Answer: C 44. The Balance of Power theory is often criticized for its failure to prevent: A. Economic crises B. Technological advancement C. World Wars D. Cultural assimilation Answer: C 45. Which concept describes the situation where states’ efforts to ensure their own security make others feel less secure? A. Security dilemma B. Balance of power C. Bandwagoning D. Deterrence Answer: A 46. Which international relations paradigm focuses on the role of international institutions in mitigating the security dilemma? A. Realism B. Liberalism C. Constructivism D. Feminism Answer: B 47. The notion that an increase in one state’s security leads to decreased security for others is known as: A. The balance of power B. The security dilemma C. Bandwagoning D. Offensive realism Answer: B 48. Which historical treaty is often associated with the formal recognition of the Balance of Power principle? A. Treaty of Versailles B. Treaty of Westphalia C. Treaty of Paris D. Treaty of Tordesillas Answer: B 49. Which of the following is NOT an example of a balancing act in international relations? A. The formation of NATO B. The Warsaw Pact C. The Non-Aligned Movement D. The establishment of the European Union Answer: D 50. In Balance of Power theory, what is the primary means through which states ensure their survival? A. Economic development B. Diplomatic negotiations C. Military strength and alliances D. Cultural assimilation Answer: C

Balance of Power MCQs – International Relations IR

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