Describe and explain the evolution of the modern state system. What role did the Treaty of Westphalia play in this process? Do you believe that this system will soon (within the next 50 years) be replaced by an alternative? Be sure to support your opinion.
Political Science 1300
First Examination
Part A. – Essay Questions
For the first examination, please answer TWO of the following questions in essay form. Each answer should be between 250 and 500 words. Each question will be worth 50% of your grade for this exam. I am not going to light it on fire if it is longer or shorter, but I did want to give you some parameters. Also, if you ever question whether or not to include an idea or an example, I would suggest that you err on the side of caution and do so.
Please contact me with any questions.
1. When George Kennan wrote the famous article for foreign affairs that detailed the policy of Containment, he offered two potential paths through which America might pursue this policy, perimeter and strong point. Explain each. Also, which did Kennan advocate and why? Which did America choose and why? Was this a wise choice? Be sure to justify your opinion.
2. Of all of the models for the analysis of international relations that we have examined to date (realism, idealism, etc.), which do you believe to be the most effective? What are the strengths and weaknesses of your chosen approach? Why do you believe it to
be superior to the alternatives?
3. Describe and explain the evolution of the modern state system. What role did the Treaty of Westphalia play in this process? Do you believe that this system will soon (within the next 50 years) be replaced by an alternative? Be sure to support your opinion.
4. Describe and explain the argument presented by Samuel Huntington in the Clash of Civilizations. What do you believe to be the strengths and shortcomings of this perspective? Be sure to justify your opinion.
5. At the start of the semester, I discussed the four main ways in which international system is seen to have changed since the end of cold war (as listed by Daniel Papp). What are they? Explain each. Do you believe that these are really new developments, or were they pre-existing conditions that we have only chosen to recognize of late.
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