Essay —- Political Science

Major Research Paper:

Thesis statement (4-Paragraphs Max.): I will provide a list of topics for the major research paper, mostly related topics and case studies relevant to the course but which we will not be formally covering. Students may also select their own topics with the instructor’s approval. Once chosen you will be asked to draft a four-paragraph short statement,outlining yourthesis,supporting argumentsand and bibliography with a minimum of 5citations(Note: the bibliography is not part of the four paragraphs).

Building on your proposal and your global challenge assignment, the major  research  paper  will  be  an 10-15-page  paper  on  your  chosen  topic.  Students  will  be expected to use an array of secondary and primary sources, including books, scholarly journal articles, newspapers and periodicals, and other relevant documents. Your paper will be evaluated on the quality and breadth of your research, clarity and originality of analysis, writing style, proper formatting and the correct use of citations. The effectiveness of a paper’s argument/analysis will be inhibited if not built on a solid research foundation, or if it is not well organized structurally or if not written clearly.  Your paper must have a clear argument (thesis statement). It is expected that you will do your proposal, and research paper on the same topic. Using the theoretical approaches and empirical material taught in the course, you must argue in favor or against any case of your choice. You  should  use  10to 15 sources  (secondary  and  primary)  to  support  your  research. Expectations for the paper and paper proposal will be discussed further during the course, and a list of suggested cases will be made available early in the course.The paper should not be more than3000 words (10-15pages), including notes and bibliography;

• You must utilize at least eightsources, seven of which were included in your proposal (if you unable to meet this requirement due to changes in response to feedback provided by your TA, you are required to consult the instructor. •Use 12-point Times New Roman font, double spaced, with normal margins; •Complete, proper, and consistent citation practices are required; and •Assignments must use Chicago Style Citations.

3. Why do states fail to cooperate on issues such as genocide, trade, international crimes? (Use realism theory in your answer).
4. Using the on-going tension between USA and China explain how realism IR theoryunderstands and predicts important outcomes of the disagreements between the two powers.
5. Should the world seek to stop North Korea from having nuclear weapons? If so, why? If not, on what grounds? Be sure to refer to at least one IR theories in your answer.
6. Why do states go to war with each other? (Use at least two IR theories to answer the question).
7. How does liberalism help us to understand new international security threats, like transnational terrorism, cross-border insurgencies, and transnational crime? How can we mitigate these threats?
8. Using either liberalism or neo-liberal institutionalism examine the role of the United Nations in international security.
9. How do globalization and economic interdependence affect state sovereignty and security in the international system?
10. Given how extreme the consequences of climate change are to human life, what is stopping states from coming to a resolution? (Refer to realism theory of IR in answering this question).
11. Using Marxism and world systems theory, examine the history of interaction between the global north and the global south? (Focus on issues such as rules for industrial and raw-material trade, colonial legacies, global distribution of wealth, international finance, foreign aid, multinational corporations etc.).
12. With wars raging in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen, the Middle East is an epicentre of violence in the world today. Using one IR theory, explain why and how regional and global powers are involved in sectarian conflict in the Middle East, and how this affects the prospect for peace.
13. Regional organizations, like the European Union, the African Union, the Arab League, and the Union of South American States, were created to help increase cooperation and mitigate conflict among member states.Using one IR theory, explain how changes in the global order, as well as competing interests and in-fighting, threaten the integrity and effectiveness of these regional organizations.