Military power is an important characteristic of states from a realist point of view, but states that are apparently weak seem to win a large share of armed conflicts. (a) How can we change our definition of military power to reflect this reality? (b) Are there other types of power that may be more important in predicting military victories? (c) Should states focus primarily on military power in
their security decisions? Why?
What will be an ideal response?
Of all the components of state power, realists see military capability as by far the most
important. Realist theory maintains that the ability to coerce militarily is more important
than rewarding favors or buying concessions. Thus, realists reject the view of liberal
strategic thinkers who maintain that under conditions of globalization, which links
countries economically, politically, and culturally in webs of interdependence, economic
resources are becoming increasingly more critical to national strength and security than
are military capabilities. Following tradition, one way to estimate the power potential
of states is to compare their military expenditures.
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The textbook gives an example of a poor high school student who is qualified for admission to a prestigious university but cannot afford to attend. This example illustrates the conflict between which two beliefs of the American creed?
a. individualism and equality b. individualism and property rights c. property rights and equal treatment under the law d. equality and equal opportunity e. equality and property rights
Which is the most accurate description of legislative pay in Texas?
What will be an ideal response?
An affiliation between two or more states not involving a strong central government in which the states involved maintain the vast majority of their sovereignty is called a(n)
a. confederation. b. constitutional system. c. American model of democracy. d. consensus democracy. e. Westminster model of democracy.
Unofficial actors do NOT exert influence on policy through
a. providing information. b. publicity. c. mandates. d. lobbying. e. influencing public opinion.