Ethics and Norms in International Relations # MCQs Practice set

Q.1 Which principle in international relations emphasizes that states should not interfere in the internal affairs of other states?

Sovereignty
Humanitarianism
Interventionism
Globalization
Explanation - Sovereignty refers to the authority of a state to govern itself without external interference.
Correct answer is: Sovereignty

Q.2 The concept of 'just war' in international ethics primarily deals with:

Economic sanctions
Criteria for morally justified war
Treaty negotiations
Cultural diplomacy
Explanation - 'Just war' theory sets ethical standards for when a war is justified and how it should be conducted.
Correct answer is: Criteria for morally justified war

Q.3 Which international body primarily sets norms for the conduct of war and treatment of prisoners?

United Nations
World Trade Organization
International Committee of the Red Cross
NATO
Explanation - The ICRC oversees the implementation of the Geneva Conventions, which set legal and ethical norms for armed conflict.
Correct answer is: International Committee of the Red Cross

Q.4 Which term describes unwritten rules that govern state behavior based on morality rather than law?

International law
Ethical norms
Realpolitik
Diplomatic immunity
Explanation - Ethical norms are informal guidelines for state behavior that rely on moral principles rather than legal enforcement.
Correct answer is: Ethical norms

Q.5 The 'Responsibility to Protect' (R2P) doctrine in international relations focuses on:

Promoting trade
Protecting citizens from mass atrocities
Limiting military spending
Encouraging cultural exchange
Explanation - R2P obligates states and the international community to prevent genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and crimes against humanity.
Correct answer is: Protecting citizens from mass atrocities

Q.6 Which ethical theory argues that state actions should aim to maximize overall global welfare?

Deontology
Utilitarianism
Realism
Constructivism
Explanation - Utilitarianism assesses the morality of actions based on their outcomes, focusing on maximizing overall good or minimizing harm.
Correct answer is: Utilitarianism

Q.7 The principle of 'non-refoulement' in international ethics refers to:

Prohibition of forced return of refugees to danger
Prohibition of nuclear weapons
Respect for territorial waters
Right to free trade
Explanation - Non-refoulement is a cornerstone of international refugee law, forbidding the return of individuals to countries where they face serious threats.
Correct answer is: Prohibition of forced return of refugees to danger

Q.8 Which concept emphasizes fairness and justice in international agreements and negotiations?

Equity
Sovereignty
Realpolitik
Deterrence
Explanation - Equity in international relations ensures that agreements are morally fair and consider the interests of all parties.
Correct answer is: Equity

Q.9 Which philosopher is most associated with the concept of 'just war' in Western thought?

Thomas Hobbes
Immanuel Kant
St. Augustine
Niccolò Machiavelli
Explanation - St. Augustine formulated early principles of 'just war', emphasizing moral criteria for legitimate warfare.
Correct answer is: St. Augustine

Q.10 Ethical norms in international relations are often enforced through:

Military power alone
International opinion and diplomacy
Domestic elections
Trade treaties only
Explanation - Ethical norms rely on peer pressure, reputation, and diplomatic measures rather than strict legal enforcement.
Correct answer is: International opinion and diplomacy

Q.11 Which term describes the practice of states following international norms because they believe it is morally right, not just for strategic gain?

Constructivism
Realism
Liberalism
Machiavellianism
Explanation - Constructivist theory highlights that state behavior can be shaped by ethical norms and shared beliefs, not only material interests.
Correct answer is: Constructivism

Q.12 The Nuremberg Trials were significant because they established:

Norms for ethical state behavior
A new trade agreement
Rules for territorial expansion
A global economic system
Explanation - The Nuremberg Trials held leaders accountable for war crimes, setting precedents in international law and ethics.
Correct answer is: Norms for ethical state behavior

Q.13 Which concept in international ethics supports humanitarian intervention despite state sovereignty?

Non-intervention
R2P
Realpolitik
Deterrence
Explanation - The Responsibility to Protect doctrine allows international action to prevent human suffering even if it breaches sovereignty.
Correct answer is: R2P

Q.14 What is the main ethical concern regarding the use of drones in international conflict?

Economic cost
Civilian casualties
Fuel efficiency
Speed of warfare
Explanation - The use of drones raises questions about proportionality, discrimination, and accountability in warfare.
Correct answer is: Civilian casualties

Q.15 Which principle promotes transparency and honesty in diplomatic negotiations?

Good faith
Sovereignty
Balance of power
Realism
Explanation - Good faith requires that states act honestly and fulfill their commitments in international interactions.
Correct answer is: Good faith

Q.16 The idea that powerful nations have a moral duty to aid weaker nations is known as:

Hegemonic responsibility
Isolationism
Mercantilism
Deterrence
Explanation - Hegemonic responsibility suggests that dominant states should promote global stability and ethical behavior.
Correct answer is: Hegemonic responsibility

Q.17 Ethical concerns in sanctions primarily revolve around:

Impact on civilians
Military tactics
Diplomatic immunities
Voting rights
Explanation - Sanctions can disproportionately affect the population rather than the targeted government, raising ethical dilemmas.
Correct answer is: Impact on civilians

Q.18 Which international agreement sets ethical standards for human rights globally?

Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Kyoto Protocol
Treaty of Versailles
GATT
Explanation - The UDHR outlines universal ethical norms for the protection of human rights across states.
Correct answer is: Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Q.19 In ethical international relations, the principle of 'proportionality' means:

Actions should be measured relative to threat
States must always retaliate
Economic growth is prioritized
Territorial conquest is allowed
Explanation - Proportionality ensures that responses in conflicts are appropriate and not excessive relative to the provocation.
Correct answer is: Actions should be measured relative to threat

Q.20 Which type of diplomacy emphasizes moral persuasion rather than coercion?

Soft power
Hard power
Gunboat diplomacy
Realpolitik
Explanation - Soft power relies on culture, values, and ethical influence to shape international behavior.
Correct answer is: Soft power

Q.21 Which theory argues that ethical norms can evolve over time in international society?

Constructivism
Realism
Liberalism
Marxism
Explanation - Constructivism emphasizes that norms, ethics, and identity shape state behavior and can change historically.
Correct answer is: Constructivism

Q.22 Which international treaty explicitly bans torture under any circumstances?

Convention Against Torture
Geneva Conventions
Kyoto Protocol
Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty
Explanation - The Convention Against Torture establishes the absolute prohibition of torture and cruel treatment.
Correct answer is: Convention Against Torture

Q.23 The principle of 'humanitarian neutrality' in international relief means:

Aid must not favor any side in conflict
Aid is given only to allies
Aid must be profitable
Aid must be delayed
Explanation - Neutrality ensures that humanitarian aid is impartial and based solely on need, not political considerations.
Correct answer is: Aid must not favor any side in conflict

Q.24 Which ethical issue is central to discussions of cyber warfare in international relations?

Civilian privacy and proportionality
Trade tariffs
Diplomatic immunity
Cultural exchange
Explanation - Cyber attacks can impact civilians and infrastructure, raising questions about proportionality and ethical responsibility.
Correct answer is: Civilian privacy and proportionality