Political Science/International Relations
Discussion 1
Discussion Topic
Task: Reply to this topic
 Due March 5 at 11:59 PM
Chapter 1 of Bova introduces us to several theoretical perspectives, including Realism, Liberalism, Constructivism, Feminism and Neo-Marxism. Theoretical
perspectives provide ways of explaining how the world works, as well as offering prescriptions for policy choices. Which of these perspectives do you think best
describes how the world works? Why? Policymakers use these perspectives, even if they don’t consciously acknowledge using them. Which perspective do you think the
Obama team uses to interpret world events? Provide evidence from your own research.
Discussion 2
Discussion Topic
Task: Reply to this topic
 Due March 5 at 11:59 PM
Review Bova pp. 27-31 before responding to this question. Would the world be more peaceful if women had more power? Why or why not? Has the foreign policy behavior
of women leaders provided evidence in support of the feminist argument? Research one of the following female leaders (Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, Michelle Bachelet,
Christine Kirchner, Angela Merkel, Dilma Roussef, Park Geun-hye or Julia Gillard) and share your findings. Did what you learn seem to support the feminist argument?
Why or why not?
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Discussion 3
Discussion Topic
Task: Reply to this topic
 Due March 5 at 11:59 PM
Read Snow Ch. 11 before responding to this question. What is a rising power? How do rising powers present challenges to the international system? Some see
China’s growth and fear the rise of a threatening competitor and rival. Others believe China will be increasingly integrated into the global economy and subject to
international norms. Which view do you think is most convincing? Justify your answer with evidence from the text and your own research.
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Note:
Please ensure yiu reference the following textbooks.
Bova, Russell. (2012). How the World Works: a Brief Survey of International Relations (2). Longman.Â
[ISBN-978-0-205-08240-7]
Snow, Donald. (2015). Cases in International Relations: Portraits of the Future (6). Longman.Â
[ISBN-978-0-205-98353-7]
IT IS VERY CRITICAL THAT THESE TEXTBOOKS ARE USED FOR PROJECT.
