1A) This question concerns differences between realists and liberals in international relations in terms of their prospects for cooperation and conflict.
Realists are pessimistic about human progress and cooperation beyond the boundaries of the nation-state. What are the reasons given for that? Are these reasons convincing or not? Illustrate with an example. Be specific about different strands of realism in your answer (classical, neorealism, etc. …) (15 points)
On the other hand, liberals are optimistic about human progress, cooperation, and peace. What are the reasons given for that optimism? Are these reasons convincing or not? Illustrate with an example. Be specific about some of the different strands of liberalism in your answer. (15 points)
1B) Under which specific strand of which broad theoretical framework did we cover the “Democratic Peace” argument? (8 points) Explain the causal mechanisms (at least three) behind the democratic peace theory in detail. (14 points) Is it guaranteed for the future that there will be a global pacific union? Why or why not? (8 points) Please make sure to refer to the book and the video lecture and our live session.
1C) Think of a recent international development between two or more states or an international organization– briefly summarize it (6 points). Then choose one of the two main international relations theories we covered. Explain the real-life international event from the perspective of one of the two theories we covered, using the concepts in that theory. (20 points). Why do you use that theory/framework to explain this case? Make sure to justify that in your answer. (4 points) You can use a case that was referred to in recorded lectures/live sessions or your discussion sections.
1D) This question concerns realism. Why is Thucydides such an important scholar for realism? (6 points) How should the rulers be like according to Machiavelli? (4 points) Why do classical realists, such as Machiavelli and Morgenthau, draw a firm distinction between political ethics and private morality? (6 points) What are the six principles of “political realism”? Make sure to mention the author’s name who coined this term