97.6k views
3 votes
Bandwagoning: For the ____ State(s), which of the following statements is true?

1) Alliance partners makes strong state relatively stronger
2) Bandwagoning ___" threatening behavior

4) Cannot be determined

1 Answer

2 votes

Final answer:

Bandwagoning in international relations refers to weaker states aligning with stronger states to mitigate threats or gain advantages, not necessarily to make the strong state stronger. The behavior accommodates threatening power rather than being about alliance power dynamics or strengthening the strong state.

Step-by-step explanation:

Understanding Bandwagoning in International Relations

Bandwagoning is a term used in international relations theory to describe a situation where weaker states align with a stronger, potentially threatening state, hoping to gain favor or reduce the threat to themselves. The concept contradicts the balancing strategy where states join forces with other states to offset the power of a stronger adversary.

In the context of the original question, the most appropriate statement that describes bandwagoning for small or weak states is that they align with a stronger state to potentially gain protection or advantage. This behavior is not necessarily about making a strong state relatively stronger, though that may be an incidental effect. Instead, bandwagoning is often seen as a pragmatic reaction to a perceived threat, where the weak state seeks to appease or align with the more powerful actor.

So, to complete the sentence: For the Weak State(s), bandwagoning is aligning with a stronger power to mitigate a threat or gain advantage. This means 'Bandwagoning accommodates threatening behavior' would be the most accurate completion.

Bandwagon effects can also be found in the social context where individuals may adopt certain behaviors or beliefs because they see them as being popular or supported by many others, which is distinct from the international relations concept but shares similar underlying psychology.

User A Spaghetto
by
8.4k points

No related questions found