In international relations theory, realism helps explain state behavior. It holds that the international system is an anarchic, self-help system in which “might makes right,” in which “the strong do as they will and the weak suffer what they may.” Use an example from current events that supports this argument, and explain how and why this is so.

This is an open book, do-at-home (or work) examination. There are two, relatively open-ended questions.

You must answer them both. The objective is to apply theoretical approached in IR to actual contemporary cases. You should use your textbooks and a reputable news source or sources to answer the questions.

1. In international relations theory, realism helps explain state behavior. It holds that the international system is an anarchic, self-help system in which “might makes right,” in which “the strong do as they will and the weak suffer what they may.”

Use an example from current events that supports this argument, and explain how and why this is so.

(No more than 750 words)

2. In international relations theory, idealism or liberalism suggests that we can achieve greater cooperation and peace if we support ways to increase interconnections among people of different countries.

Use an example from current events, and from a different part of the world than in Question 1, that supports this argument, and explain how and why this is so.

(No more than 750 words)

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