ESSAY: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS THEORIES ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS OVERVIEW

ESSAY: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS THEORIES ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS
OVERVIEW
This is the assignment to learn as much as possible about the key theories in international
relations, why they are important, and how if at all they are related to policymaking. Among the
three most important for you in this assignment are realism, liberalism, and constructivism,
though you may discover many other important theories like dependency theory, Marxist theory,
radical theory (These three theories overlap in places as do the others). It is useful to gain a grasp
of what the theories imply or assume about the behavior of states and sometimes citizens as
international actors and begin to understand both the usefulness and limits of theory as
instruments of policymaking. Whatever sources you use, make use of the article, “International
Relations: One World, Many Theories” (Walt, 1998), and be able to explain how you believe to
what extent theory relates to policymaking. Clearly, knowing the diversity and contested nature
of theories will help you answer questions related to other assignments in the course as well as
the three-part question below. Whenever possible, be sure to provide examples in supporting
your arguments.

INSTRUCTIONS
In 5-7 double spaced pages in Turabian format, not including additional pages for title and
references, answer the following 3 prompts below separately in a single document. You may
write more pages if necessary. At least 7 sources must be used and may include the course text,
Bible, and scholarly articles. 

§ What is the relationship of theory to actual policy? Are theories pre-packaged conceptual
tools policymakers then apply to the interpretation of actual events? Expressed
differently, is there a 1/1 correspondence between a particular event and a theory that
explains it? If so, how do you explain two ‘realist’ (or liberals or constructivists, etc.)
policymakers who both call for completely opposite policies in the same case, one opting
for military intervention for example, while the other prefers a policy of restraint? What
does this say about the relationship between theory and actual policy? 

§ Can you identify a particular IR theory that appeals to you as the better explanation of
human behavior than others? Or would you say that the existence of multiple theories is
an indication that perhaps all of them are plausible as possible interpretations of the same
or different human events? Be clear and use examples to make your case.

§ Consider the structure of the US government as reflected in the Constitution (i.e.,
institutional checks and balances, power-sharing among federal and state authority, etc.)
Does this structure reflect a realist, liberal, or some other theory of human behavior? In
effect, is the ‘more perfect union’ of 1787 infused with a more realist or more liberal
spirit, or maybe a bit of both. Explain the possibilities concisely yet clearly with
examples.
Note: Your assignment will be checked for originality via the Turnitin plagiarism tool.