IRLS500 International Relations Theory
Week 2 Forum
Systemic Theories: Neorealism, Neoliberalism and Constructivism
The rise of China over the last three decades has been a significant cause of concern among Neo-Realist students of international relations. Do you believe this concern is justified? Why? Even if you do agree, discuss at least two theoretical counter-arguments, at the systemic level, that offer less pessimistic conclusions about China’s rise.
Instructions: Your initial post should be at least 350 words. Please respond to at least 2 other students. Responses should be a minimum of 150 words and include direct questions.
 
IRLS500 International Relations Theory
Week 3 Forum
The unit level: Neo-classical Realism, Liberalism, and Culture
Do you believe that cultural/ideational factors help explain America’s interactions with the outside world? Explain why, or why not. Regardless of your answer, offer a plausible hypothesis about the effects of culture on America’s foreign policy, and discuss ways to test this hypothesis empirically.
Instructions: Your initial post should be at least 350 words. Please respond to at least 2 other students. Responses should be a minimum of 150 words and include direct questions.
 
IRLS500 International Relations Theory
Week 4 Forum
The Individual Level: Policymakers and their environment
Under what conditions, if any, is the individual level of analysis more useful than the unit-level or system-level? Why?  In your response, describe at least three specific examples in which the individual level of analysis could provide greater insight into state actions.
Instructions: Your initial post should be at least 350 words. Please respond to at least 2 other students. Responses should be a minimum of 150 words and include direct questions.
 
IRLS500 International Relations Theory
Week 5 Forum
Alternative Approaches: Feminism, Post-Structuralism, (Neo) Marxism
1. Critical theorists argue that the scientific method/positivism is an inappropriate tool for the study of international relations. Do you agree? Why? Regardless of your answer, offer at least two advantages of the use of Critical Theory in the study of International Relations.
OR
2. What does feminism as a theoretical approach add to the study of international relations?  What are the implications of a feminist approach?
Be sure to cite all references.  Instructions: Your initial post should be at least 350 words. Please respond to at least 2 other students. Responses should be a minimum of 150 words and include direct questions.
 
IRLS500 International Relations Theory
Week 6 Forum
In what way is “issue-indivisibility” related to war? Is Fearon correct in dismissing indivisibility as a cause of war in his rationalist argument war? Use at least two specific examples to make your argument.
Your original post should be at least 350 words in length, and your peer responses should be at least 150 words each. Make sure to cite your sources. Your original post is due by Thursday 11:55 PM EST, the responses are due by Sunday 11:55 PM EST.
 
IRLS500 International Relations Theory
Week 7 Forum
International Political Economy (IPE): Between conflict and cooperation
International Relations scholars appear to disagree on the causes of economic underdevelopment, and unequal distribution of wealth among nations. Neo-Marxist scholars explain these inequalities through a systemic theory, focusing on a world system that benefits some states disproportionally. Others argue that the causes of economic underdevelopment are to be found in unit-level attributes. Which of these two examples do you find most compelling? Why?
Instructions: Your initial post should be at least 350 words. Please respond to at least 2 other students. Responses should be a minimum of 150 words and include direct questions.