MCQs on Realism in International Relations
1. Who is considered the father of Classical Realism?
A) Kenneth Waltz
B) Hans Morgenthau
C) John Mearsheimer
D) E.H. Carr
✅ Correct Answer: B) Hans Morgenthau
Explanation:
Hans Morgenthau is regarded as the father of Classical Realism due to his seminal work Politics Among Nations (1948), where he formalized Realist principles. He argued that international politics is governed by objective laws rooted in human nature, with power and national interest as the primary drivers of state behavior.
2. According to Structural Realism, what is the primary cause of security competition and conflicts among states?
A) Human nature
B) Anarchic structure of the international system
C) Economic interdependence
D) The influence of international organizations
✅ Correct Answer: B) Anarchic structure of the international system
Explanation:
Kenneth Waltz’s Structural Realism (Neorealism) argues that international politics is shaped by the lack of a central authority (anarchy) in the international system. This compels states to act in their self-interest, leading to security competition and conflicts.
3. What is the key difference between Classical Realism and Neorealism?
A) Classical Realism focuses on human nature, while Neorealism focuses on the structure of the international system.
B) Classical Realism supports international cooperation, while Neorealism does not.
C) Classical Realism believes in absolute gains, while Neorealism believes in relative gains.
D) Classical Realism emphasizes economic factors, while Neorealism emphasizes military factors.
✅ Correct Answer: A) Classical Realism focuses on human nature, while Neorealism focuses on the structure of the international system.
Explanation:
Classical Realism (Hans Morgenthau) attributes power struggles to human nature, while Neorealism (Kenneth Waltz) explains state behavior based on the anarchic international system and the distribution of power among states.
4. What is the main argument of John Mearsheimer’s Offensive Realism?
A) States seek only enough power to ensure their survival.
B) States always prefer cooperation over conflict.
C) States are power maximizers and aim for regional or global hegemony.
D) States rely on international institutions for security.
✅ Correct Answer: C) States are power maximizers and aim for regional or global hegemony.
Explanation:
John Mearsheimer’s Offensive Realism argues that states are not just security seekers but power maximizers. Due to uncertainty about other states' intentions, they constantly seek more power to dominate the international system.
5. Which of the following is NOT a core principle of Realism?
A) Statism
B) Survival
C) Self-Help
D) International cooperation guarantees peace
✅ Correct Answer: D) International cooperation guarantees peace
Explanation:
Realism is skeptical of international cooperation, arguing that states prioritize their own national interest, survival, and power in an anarchic world. Cooperation is often temporary and based on strategic interests rather than guaranteed peace.
6. Which historical thinker’s work is often considered an early foundation of Realist thought?
A) Immanuel Kant
B) Thucydides
C) Jean-Jacques Rousseau
D) Woodrow Wilson
✅ Correct Answer: B) Thucydides
Explanation:
Thucydides’ History of the Peloponnesian War is considered one of the earliest Realist texts. His analysis of power politics between Athens and Sparta emphasized that states act in their self-interest and power determines their behavior, a key principle of Realism.
7. According to Neoclassical Realism, what factor influences how a state interprets the distribution of power?
A) Anarchy of the international system
B) Domestic politics and leader perceptions
C) The role of international organizations
D) The balance of power among states
✅ Correct Answer: B) Domestic politics and leader perceptions
Explanation:
Neoclassical Realism, developed by scholars like Stephen Walt and Randall Schweller, argues that while the international system shapes state behavior, domestic-level factors such as leader perceptions and political structures influence how states react to power dynamics.
8. Which of the following is a key idea in Defensive Realism, as proposed by Kenneth Waltz?
A) States should maximize their power to achieve global dominance.
B) States seek only enough power to ensure their security.
C) States should rely on international institutions for stability.
D) States should engage in moral diplomacy.
✅ Correct Answer: B) States seek only enough power to ensure their security.
Explanation:
Defensive Realism, a branch of Structural Realism proposed by Kenneth Waltz, suggests that states are security maximizers rather than power maximizers. Seeking too much power can provoke other states to balance against them, leading to insecurity.
9. Which treaty is often seen as a foundational event in the establishment of the modern state system, aligning with Realist principles?
A) Treaty of Versailles (1919)
B) Treaty of Westphalia (1648)
C) Congress of Vienna (1815)
D) United Nations Charter (1945)
✅ Correct Answer: B) Treaty of Westphalia (1648)
Explanation:
The Treaty of Westphalia (1648) ended the Thirty Years' War and established the principle of state sovereignty and non-intervention, which are core ideas in Realism. It marked the beginning of the modern international system based on independent, sovereign states.
10. What is the "Security Dilemma" in Realist theory?
A) A situation where states feel secure due to alliances and cooperation.
B) A condition where states take measures for security but unintentionally create insecurity for others.
C) A dilemma where states prioritize economy over military security.
D) A problem where states refuse to engage in any form of military competition.
✅ Correct Answer: B) A condition where states take measures for security but unintentionally create insecurity for others.
Explanation:
The Security Dilemma, a concept in Realism, refers to the paradox where a state's efforts to increase its security (e.g., military buildup) cause other states to feel threatened, leading to an arms race or conflict. This reinforces the anarchic nature of international relations.
11. Which of the following best describes the Realist view of international organizations like the United Nations?
A) They are powerful entities that can enforce global peace.
B) They are effective in resolving conflicts permanently.
C) They reflect the interests of powerful states and have limited authority.
D) They are more influential than nation-states in global politics.
✅ Correct Answer: C) They reflect the interests of powerful states and have limited authority.
Explanation:
Realists argue that international organizations like the UN are not independent actors but serve the interests of powerful states. Since the international system is anarchic, states prioritize their own power and survival over institutional rules.
12. According to Realism, why do states form alliances?
A) To promote global peace and cooperation.
B) To balance power and counter potential threats.
C) To create a world government.
D) To spread ideological values.
✅ Correct Answer: B) To balance power and counter potential threats.
Explanation:
Realism emphasizes that alliances are formed for strategic reasons—primarily to balance against powerful rivals and ensure security. The NATO alliance during the Cold War was an example of balancing against the Soviet Union.
13. Which of the following is NOT a principle of Realism?
A) Anarchy defines the international system.
B) States act based on morality rather than self-interest.
C) National interest guides foreign policy.
D) Power is central to international relations.
✅ Correct Answer: B) States act based on morality rather than self-interest.
Explanation:
Realism argues that states act in their self-interest and prioritize power over morality. It rejects the idea that moral principles should dictate foreign policy, as seen in the writings of Machiavelli, Hobbes, and Morgenthau.
14. What is the key argument of Realism regarding war?
A) War can be completely eliminated through diplomacy.
B) War is an inevitable result of an anarchic international system.
C) War occurs only due to miscommunication between states.
D) War is caused by international organizations failing to act.
✅ Correct Answer: B) War is an inevitable result of an anarchic international system.
Explanation:
Realism asserts that since there is no global authority to prevent conflict, wars will continue to occur as states compete for power and security. This is evident in the constant power struggles in history, such as the World Wars and Cold War.
15. Which Realist scholar introduced the concept of "Offensive Realism"?
A) Kenneth Waltz
B) Hans Morgenthau
C) John Mearsheimer
D) E.H. Carr
✅ Correct Answer: C) John Mearsheimer
Explanation:
John Mearsheimer developed Offensive Realism, which argues that states are power maximizers and seek regional or global hegemony to ensure their survival. Unlike Waltz’s Defensive Realism, Mearsheimer believes states will continuously seek to expand their power.
16. According to Realist theory, what is the primary motivation of states in international relations?
A) Promoting global cooperation
B) Ensuring economic equality
C) Maximizing power and security
D) Strengthening international organizations
✅ Correct Answer: C) Maximizing power and security
Explanation:
Realists argue that states operate in an anarchic system where self-preservation, power, and security are their primary concerns. Cooperation is only temporary and based on national interests rather than shared moral values.
17. Which of the following is an example of the Balance of Power theory in action?
A) The United Nations mediating global conflicts
B) The Cold War rivalry between the U.S. and the Soviet Union
C) The European Union promoting regional cooperation
D) The adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
✅ Correct Answer: B) The Cold War rivalry between the U.S. and the Soviet Union
Explanation:
The Balance of Power theory states that states form alliances and take actions to prevent any one state from becoming too powerful. The Cold War (1945–1991) saw the U.S. and USSR counterbalancing each other militarily and politically, preventing a unipolar world.
18. What does Realism say about human nature?
A) Humans are inherently cooperative and peaceful.
B) Humans are driven by self-interest and competition.
C) Humans prefer diplomacy over war.
D) Human nature has no impact on international relations.
✅ Correct Answer: B) Humans are driven by self-interest and competition.
Explanation:
Classical Realists like Hobbes and Morgenthau argue that human nature is inherently selfish and power-seeking, which extends to states as well. This results in conflict, competition, and the struggle for dominance in global politics.
19. How does Realism view the role of morality in international relations?
A) States should always act morally in global affairs.
B) Morality is secondary to national interest and power.
C) Ethical considerations are more important than security.
D) States should form policies based on universal moral values.
✅ Correct Answer: B) Morality is secondary to national interest and power.
Explanation:
Realists believe that states prioritize their own interests over moral concerns. As Machiavelli and Morgenthau emphasized, leaders must act pragmatically rather than morally to maintain power and security.
20. According to Realist thinkers, why do international institutions like the United Nations fail to prevent wars?
A) They lack the military power to enforce peace.
B) They encourage too much cooperation.
C) They are controlled by non-state actors.
D) They do not have the ability to promote economic growth.
✅ Correct Answer: A) They lack the military power to enforce peace.
Explanation:
Realists argue that international institutions are weak because they do not have the power to enforce rules on sovereign states. Since states prioritize their own security and interests, organizations like the UN cannot prevent conflicts or enforce lasting peace.
21. Which of the following best describes the concept of "Hegemonic Stability Theory" from a Realist perspective?
A) A single dominant power can create and maintain international order.
B) Multiple small states working together ensure stability.
C) Economic cooperation reduces the need for military power.
D) International institutions are the primary drivers of stability.
✅ Correct Answer: A) A single dominant power can create and maintain international order.
Explanation:
Hegemonic Stability Theory suggests that when one state becomes overwhelmingly powerful (hegemon), it can enforce rules and maintain stability in the international system. However, Realists believe this dominance eventually leads to challenges from rising powers, causing instability and conflict.
22. What does the term "Offshore Balancing" refer to in Realist strategy?
A) A state's reliance on international organizations for security
B) A state's use of regional allies to maintain power without direct intervention
C) A state's complete withdrawal from international politics
D) A state's focus on internal development over foreign affairs
✅ Correct Answer: B) A state's use of regional allies to maintain power without direct intervention.
Explanation:
Offshore Balancing is a Realist strategy where a major power (e.g., the U.S.) supports regional allies to contain potential threats rather than engaging directly in conflicts. This reduces military costs while maintaining influence.
23. According to Realist thought, why do rising powers often create instability in the international system?
A) Because they seek global governance through international organizations
B) Because they challenge the existing balance of power
C) Because they focus on economic rather than military expansion
D) Because they avoid alliances with weaker states
✅ Correct Answer: B) Because they challenge the existing balance of power.
Explanation:
Realists argue that as new powers rise, they disrupt the established power hierarchy, leading to tensions and potential conflicts. The rise of China and its challenge to U.S. dominance is a contemporary example of this principle.
24. What is the "Tragedy of Great Power Politics," as explained by John Mearsheimer?
A) Great powers inevitably decline due to internal corruption.
B) Great powers cannot avoid conflict due to anarchy and power competition.
C) Great powers always prioritize economic interests over military expansion.
D) Great powers remain stable through international organizations.
✅ Correct Answer: B) Great powers cannot avoid conflict due to anarchy and power competition.
Explanation:
John Mearsheimer, in his book The Tragedy of Great Power Politics, argues that major powers are locked in a continuous struggle for dominance due to anarchy and uncertainty about other states’ intentions, making conflict inevitable.
25. According to Realist thinkers, why do states pursue nuclear weapons?
A) To promote disarmament and peace efforts globally
B) To strengthen international cooperation and diplomatic relations
C) To deter potential threats and ensure survival
D) To reduce their dependence on conventional military forces
✅ Correct Answer: C) To deter potential threats and ensure survival.
Explanation:
Realists argue that nuclear weapons serve as a deterrent against potential aggression, reinforcing the security dilemma. The Cold War-era policy of Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD) between the U.S. and the Soviet Union is an example of how states use nuclear weapons to prevent direct conflicts.
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