Theories provide a lens for viewing historical events. However, with new historical events and situations, these lenses must continually be tested for their accuracy. Your assignment will be to take a particular situation (known as a case study) to analyze liberal theory, or to analyze a particular strain of liberal theory.

Directions: Write a 5-page paper (typed, double-spaced) on the following topic.

Your case may suggest that liberal theories are a good explanation of the way international relations work. Test whether your case supports the ideas of liberal theories. In your essay, you should discuss a few fundamental aspects of liberal theories as they apply or do not apply to your case and compare and contrast the relevance of each, given your case. You may also find that liberal theories do not adequately explain your case study. If this is the case, you should make this argument and support it. In your conclusion, you should discuss what your case study suggests for the validity of liberal theory. A good paper will include an even balance of description of the case and a demonstration of your understanding of liberalism.

Much of the debate between realists and liberals about the course of international relations depends upon each proponent’s view of history and the significance and interpretation of international events. Two significant events that must be considered are the end of the Cold War (which was ensured with the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991) and the terrorist attacks in the U.S. on September 11 and the subsequent U.S. international response. Given these major international events, how useful is liberal theory in international relations? In your response to this question you should discuss various aspects of liberal theory and comment on their relevance to the world today. You should conclude with your thoughts on whether the world is better described by liberal or realist theories in general.

Papers are due in class on Monday, October 28. Late papers will be penalized two percentage points per day.

Paper format: The length of the paper should be 5 full pages, typed and double-spaced. Include a separate title page with a descriptive title for the paper, your name, the date, the course number, and my name (this does not count as one of the 5 pages). Papers should have a one-inch margin (on sides, top and bottom) and be either 11 or 12 point readable font (this assignment sheet has a one-inch margin and is in 12-point font). Please number your pages. Proofread your essay carefully!

Case Study Sources: For information on each of the case studies, go to www.geocities.com/pvaninw and follow the links to the paper assignment page. There you will find links to articles on each of the case studies. These articles should be sufficient to complete your paper. Thoroughly read all of the articles on your chosen case before writing your paper. NO OUTSIDE MATERIALS ARE REQUIRED. This is not a research paper, so do not spend time searching other web sites or sources. You should cite a reference for any quotations or for any ideas that are not yours.

Theory Sources: You should reference works that we have read for class, which could include the online readings and the Mingst and Snyder reader. I expect that any quotations or ideas taken from these sources should be cited, however concepts discussed explicitly in class do not need to be cited. Make specific references to the course readings in your essay.