POLSC / International Relations

POLSC / International Relations

1. What does it mean to take an “interdisciplinary” approach to the study of IR theory? Does this make IR theory easier or more complicated in terms of understanding?
2. Discuss some of the criticisms of peace studies theory. Do you believe that today’s world makes this type of theory “unrealistic”?
3. Under what conditions would the nonviolent approach to resolving conflict be most likely to succeed and most likely to fail?
4. Do you agree or disagree with Gandhi’s assertion that economic war is no better than armed conflict?
5. What does author Robin J. Crews mean by the phrase “images of truth”? What are the fundamental values associated with peace studies?
6. Compare and contrast Stein’s conception of human nature with those of Sigmund Freud and Thomas Hobbes.
7. Raed Abusahlia offers five reasons why nonviolence is a more effective approach for achieving Palestinian statehood. Which ones are the most compelling and why?
8. What are some of your thoughts and observations on the documentary describing the poetry of William Stafford? Is there a place for poetry when analyzing international relations?
Readings:

Genest. Conflict and Cooperation, chapter 10, pp. 547-583

Video:

Soldiers of Conscience