International Relations Exam Notes
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Multiple Choice Topics: 2
Weapons of Mass Destruction 2
Nuclear Proliferation 12
Chemical & Biological Weapons 17
Prohibition of Chemical and Biological Weapons: 18
WMD’s and Non-State Actors 19
New Technologies, New Challenges 21
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles 21
Cyber Warfare: 24
Key Concepts: 27
Polarity 27
Internal versus External Balancing 28
Democracies do not go to war because... 28
Hegemonic War 29
Leadership Misperception 29
Value One Assigns to a State 29
"Greeted as Liberators" 30
Marxist View on War 30
Essay Answer Topics: 31
Nuclear Deterrence Theory Using the Cold War 31
Nuclear Freeze and Arms Control Treaties 31
Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) 1968 32
Weapons of Mass Destruction, Non-State Actors and Terrorism 34
Unpack Cyberwarfare tenants/characteristics 35
,Multiple Choice Topics:
Weapons of Mass Destruction
Relationship between Technological Change and the Use of Force:
- Advancements in technology during the 17th and 18th centuries had a profound impact
on the size and mobilisation of armies. The introduction of firearms, such as muskets
and cannons, revolutionised warfare by enabling soldiers to engage enemies from a
distance. This development led to significant changes in army composition and tactics.
(1) Firearms: Muskets and cannons played a crucial role in transforming warfare. Muskets
provided soldiers with the ability to engage enemies from a distance, reducing the need
for close combat. Cannons allowed for powerful artillery fire, enabling the destruction of
fortifications and the demoralisation of enemy troops.
(2) Army Composition: The adoption of firearms necessitated larger armies. To maintain a
continuous line of fire, armies needed more soldiers. This increase in army size became
a vital aspect of military strategy and influenced the overall organisation and structure of
armies.
(3) Tactics: The introduction of firearms led to changes in military tactics. The emphasis
shifted from traditional melee combat to ranged engagements. Soldiers were trained to
use firearms effectively and learned to employ formations that maximised the line of fire,
such as linear formations.
(4) Mobilisation: Technological advancements also brought improvements in logistics and
transportation, making mobilisation more organised and efficient. The development of
better roads, bridges, and transportation systems allowed for the rapid movement of
troops and supplies, enabling armies to respond more swiftly to conflicts.
- The 19th century witnessed remarkable advancements in telecommunication and
transportation that had a profound impact on warfare. The invention and widespread
adoption of the telegraph revolutionised long-distance communication, allowing for rapid
transmission of orders and improved coordination of strategies. The development of
, railways played a crucial role in the movement of troops and supplies, enhancing the
speed and scale of mobilisation.
(1) Telegraph: The telegraph system enabled commanders to communicate quickly over
long distances. This technology facilitated the transmission of orders and information,
improving the coordination of military operations. Commanders could relay instructions
and receive updates in real-time, enabling faster decision-making and more efficient
deployment of forces.
(2) Railways: The development of railways revolutionised the transportation of troops and
supplies. Railways provided a fast and efficient means of moving large numbers of
personnel and equipment. Troops could be deployed swiftly to critical locations, allowing
for rapid response to conflicts. Supplies, including ammunition and provisions, could also
be transported more efficiently, sustaining armies in the field.
(3) Impact on Mobilisation: The combination of telegraph and railway systems significantly
improved the mobilisation process. Communication between military headquarters and
field units became more streamlined, allowing for better coordination and
synchronisation of military campaigns. Troops could be mobilised and deployed on a
larger scale and with greater speed, giving commanders a strategic advantage.
(4) Technological Innovations: In addition to telecommunication and transportation
advancements, the 19th century also saw the emergence of new technologies in
warfare. Torpedoes and submarines were developed, introducing new capabilities and
challenges in naval warfare. These innovations expanded the range of tactics and
increased the complexity of naval operations.
- The 20th century was marked by significant technological advancements that
revolutionised warfare. These developments had a profound impact on infantry tactics,
armoured warfare, aerial combat, combined arms tactics, and the introduction of nuclear
weapons.
(1) Machine Gun: The invention of the machine gun transformed infantry tactics. It increased
firepower and changed the nature of warfare, especially in the trenches of World War I.
The machine gun allowed soldiers to deliver a high volume of fire, leading to the
development of defensive strategies and new approaches to infantry movement.
(2) Tanks: The introduction of tanks brought about armoured warfare. Tanks provided
mobile, heavily armoured platforms capable of breaking through enemy lines and
traversing difficult terrain. They played a crucial role in breaching enemy defences and
, supporting ground forces, significantly influencing the outcome of battles and
campaigns.
(3) Aerial Warfare: The advent of aircraft gave rise to aerial warfare. Aeroplanes provided a
new dimension to warfare, allowing for reconnaissance, air superiority, and strategic
bombing. Aerial combat and the use of air power became increasingly important,
influencing the outcomes of battles and operations on land and at sea.
(4) Combined Arms Tactics: The 20th century saw the increasing prevalence of
multi-pronged attacks that combined land, air, and naval forces. The coordination and
integration of different branches of the military became crucial for success on the
battlefield. Combined arms tactics utilised the strengths of each branch to achieve
strategic objectives.
(5) Nuclear Weapons: The pinnacle of technological impact was the creation of the nuclear
bomb. The development of nuclear weapons altered the calculus of warfare by
introducing the threat of global destruction. The use of nuclear weapons became a
significant deterrent, shaping the strategies and doctrines of nations and fundamentally
changing the nature of warfare.
- The 21st century has witnessed significant technological advancements that have had a
profound impact on warfare. Two key developments are the utilisation of Unmanned
Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or drones and the emergence of cyber warfare as a new
battleground.
(1) UAVs or Drones: UAVs have become essential tools in modern warfare. They provide
intelligence, surveillance, and precise strike capabilities, reducing risks to human
personnel. Drones are extensively used in counter-terrorism operations, allowing military
forces to gather valuable information, monitor enemy movements, and conduct targeted
strikes with minimal human risk.
(2) Cyber Warfare: The reliance on digital systems in modern societies has made cyber
warfare a potent tool in military operations. Nations engage in offensive and defensive
cyber operations to disrupt enemy networks, gather intelligence, and launch
cyberattacks. Cyber warfare introduces new dimensions and challenges for military
forces, as it involves the manipulation and exploitation of information systems,
infrastructure, and communication networks.