Political scientist Dr. Sarah Lee argues that international institutions are merely tools of powerful states rather than independent actors constraining state behavior.
Which case study would best support Lee's realist critique?
Analysis shows UN Security Council decisions match great power preferences 95% of the time; when decisions conflict with US or Chinese interests, they are ignored without consequence; and institutional rules change when powers demand it
International institutions exist
Some countries are more powerful
Diplomacy is important
Correct Answer: A
Choice A is the best answer. Preference alignment + consequence-free defiance + rule changes on demand proves institutional weakness.
💡 Strategy: Challenging institutional independence needs evidence of subordination to powerful actors.