The US is joining in the war of words in the Korean peninsula. It decided to send two stealth bombers (capable of carrying nuclear weapons) over South korea to signal its intention to defend South Korea against a nuclear attack. One can understand why the US wants its commitment to the South to be crystal clear, it is not clear that sending such a provocative signal is a good idea. We’ll see how the North responds.
In a dramatic change, the UN Security Council has authorized its peacekeeping forces in central Africa to use force to track down rebel guerrillas Typically, UN forces are tied to a purely defensive position–they cannot fire their weapons unless they are fired upon first. The change is long overdue in central Africa which has experienced relentless violence for the last few years. THis initiative may be the stabiklizing force that the region desperately needs.
Answers to the UMass quiz on 28 March 2013
To be successful, a hegemonic system needs to be
Transparent b. accessible c. mutually beneficial d. even-handed
Which is the best example of projective military power?
The tank b. the aircraft carrier c. the stealth bomber d. the drone
What commodity was the basis for American economic power in the 20th century?
Petroleum b. gold c. iron ore d. platinum
What country refused to take on the role of hegemon in the aftermath of World War I?
Germany b. the Soviet Union c. Great Britain d. the US
Prior to World War I, Germany feared a two-front war with France and
Great Britain b. Russia c. Poland d. Austria
World War I started with the German invasion of what country?
Belgium b. France c. Holland d. Serbia
Woodrow Wilson introduced the idea of collective security and what other idea to the world in 1918.
Self-determination b. balanced obligations c. free trade d. freedom of the seas
What country experienced hyperinflation in 1923?
The US b. Germany c. France d. Soviet Union
The Smoot-Hawley Tariff was introduced by what country?
The Soviet Union b. Japan c. Britain d. the US
A just war can only be waged to
redress an injury b. avenge an insult c. take territory d. balance the system
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