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POSC 020 WORLD POLITICS / Dr. Irepoglu Carreras
Winter 2022 – Midterm Exam
Release date: February 4, Friday at 2 PM
Due date on Canvas: February 8, Tuesday at 2 PM
PLEASE READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY!
Please write all the answers in a separate word processing document. Please submit all your answers in one word (.doc or .docx) or pdf (.pdf) document on Canvas and please put your name in that document and number your pages.
Do not copy the questions into your answer document but make sure to indicate which questions you are answering.
Read the questions carefully and address all the parts of the questions you choose to answer. Please choose 2 out of the 4. Draw your answers from the information in the readings/class notes/videos when applicable.
You do not need to cite your sources at the end of your exam.
If you are referring to a syllabus reading, make sure to include the name of the author(s) in your answer, but you do not need a specific citation format.
For every question, please write about ~2 (maximum 3) pages double-spaced, answers with 12 font. Write your answers in sentences and paragraphs, and make sure to break your answers into different paragraphs.
Every answer is worth 40 points * 2 = 80 points this essay section in total
(The remaining 20 points come from the multiple choice/true or false part of the exam, which is to be submitted separately on Canvas.)
80 + 20 = 100 (In total, the midterm exam is graded out of 100 and is worth 30% point of your overall course grade.)
THE QUESTIONS ARE ON THE NEXT PAGE
QUESTIONS (CHOOSE 2 to answer OUT OF THE OPTIONS 1,2,3,4)
For every question, please write an approximately 2 (maximum 3) pages double-spaced, 12 font, answer. You can go slightly over the suggested page length, or you can write slightly shorter as well.
Each question is worth 40 points. The grade breakdown of each part is indicated.
Each question has several prompts. Make sure to answer all these parts in the questions you choose to answer. They are indicated in different colors for clarity, so make sure to answer the prompts in each color in your answer. You do not need to use colors in your answers. Please structure your answer based on these different prompts of the questions.
This question concerns differences between realism and liberalism in international relations. What are the basic tenets of realism and liberalism, and how do they compare to each other? Make sure to highlight how realism and liberalism differ in general as well as in terms of their prospects for COOPERATION in general. (28 points) What is the “democratic peace” argument and how is it related to one of these theories? (12 points)
What are the three different levels of analysis in IR? First, list these three levels of analysis and what they entail/what is considered when using each of these levels. (10 points) What are some causes of interstate war, at these levels of analysis? Elaborate, referring to each of these levels of analysis (24 points). Do you think these causes of war at different levels can exist at the same time? Why or why not? (6 points)
Think of a recent international development between two or more states or an international organization– briefly summarize it (10 points). Then choose one of the three main international relations we covered. Explain the real-life international event from the perspective of one of the three theories we covered, using the concepts in that theory. (24 points). Why do you use that theory/framework to explain this case? Make sure to justify that in your answer. (6 points)
Why and when was the United Nations founded (5 points) and what are the key political issues for the UN (4 points)? What is the purpose of the UNSC (make sure to write what it stands for) and what are its roles? Explain the composition of the UNSC (6 points). How can the UN be effective? (5 points) What is R2P? (4 points) Define and explain this term, referring to the videos and the Gareth Evans reading. How and why did it emerge? (4 points) What are the five tests of moral right as Gareth Evans defines them? (4 points) What are some of the challenges facing R2P? (4 points) Given today’s international politics, do you think R2P will prevail in the future? Why or why not? (4 points)