Multiple Choice Quiz

1. What is the relationship between ‘intra-state’ conflicts / wars and Mary Kaldor’s ‘New Wars Thesis’?

  1. There is no connection between post-Cold War civil wars and the New Wars Thesis
  2. Most of the conflicts that have taken place in the post-Cold War era have been civil wars and the New Wars Thesis seeks to analyse their dynamics
  3. The New Wars Thesis only concentrates on the state as the main actor involved in conflict
  4. None of the options

Answer:

b. Most of the conflicts that have taken place in the post-Cold War era have been civil wars and the New Wars Thesis seeks to analyse their dynamics

2. Why are failed states important to consider in the context of the ‘New Wars Thesis’?

  1. Failed states are weak and increasingly a threat to their citizens
  2. It is primarily within failed states that contemporary conflicts are taking place
  3. Failed states are a threat to the regions where they are located as well as further afield
  4. All of the options

Answer:

d. All of the options

3. What role does globalisation play on contemporary conflict?

  1. Globalisation has helped failed states to stabilise and also enhance the security of their borders and citizens
  2. Globalisation erodes the stability of failed states and, as the failing state loses control of its territory, competing actors step in to supplant it and brutal civil conflict often ensues
  3.  Globalisation is a positive force for stability for all states in the international system
  4. None of the options

Answer:

b. Globalisation erodes the stability of failed states and, as the failing state loses control of its territory, competing actors step in to supplant it and brutal civil conflict often ensues

4. Who are the actors involved in contemporary ‘intra-state’ conflicts?

  1. Only states
  2. The actors are likely to be a variety of social groups, organisations, and private military companies rather than the regular armed forces of sovereign states
  3. Non-governmental organisations
  4. None of the options

Answer:

b. The actors are likely to be a variety of social groups, organisations, and private military companies rather than the regular armed forces of sovereign states

5. How would you criticise the New Wars Thesis?

  1. There is nothing new about contemporary forms of conflict
  2. The brutal nature of contemporary wars cannot be confirmed or negated by supporting data
  3. It is not possible to describe contemporary wars as either post-Clausewitzean or otherwise
  4. All of the options

Answer:

d. All of the options