Write a 8-10 page essay on one of the following questions and submit it in class no later than Wednesday, December 1st. Early submissions are strongly encouraged.
(1) Feminist international relations theory, as outlined by Jill Steans in Gender and International Relations, draws heavily on post-modernist thinking and on critical theory. What is Steans’ basic thesis? What are her most cogent criticisms of classical realism, neo-realism, classical liberalism and neo-liberalism? If one were to critique Steans’ argumentation (as some scholars have in fact done), what would be the most productive approach to take?
(2) Postcolonial thought draws from the experience of much of the world with modern imperialism and colonialism. What are the different forms of imperialism, and why might it be argued that imperialism continues to this day? What were the essential features of European colonialism, and what were its tangible and intangible impacts? Do you agree with Frantz Fanon’s treatment of the legacy of colonialism, or – in your view – would some alternative approach be better. Be sure to look at all of the readings on our Moodle site that pertain to this topic. Some of them are not listed on the syllabus.
(3) Stephen Quackenbush, in International Conflict, presents a particular approach to understanding the causes of war and the conditions of peace. What is that approach, and why might some people find it more persuasive than some of the “traditional” alternatives? What are the types of evidence that Quackenbush invokes? If you were a policymaker, what lessons might you draw from Quackenbush and from the scholars he cites who make similar arguments?
(4) Graham Allison, in his lengthy article “Conceptual Models and the Cuban Missile Crisis” (later published as a book), argues that alternative models of decision-making can lead to quite different interpretations of international events. What are some of these alternative models of decision-making? What are their strengths and weaknesses? How might they help us to understand not only what we have done, but also what has been done (or might still be done) by other governments? Be sure that you read not only Allison, but also the other articles that have been placed on Moodle reserve under “Theorizing About Foreign Policy and National Security Decision-Making.
Sample Solution