Assignment: Specifically address each of the following prompts: #1 Identify and

Assignment: Specifically address each of the following prompts:
#1 Identify and discuss an international situation that interests you. For example, China’s
increasing power; Nuclear Weapons; Russia’s occupation of the Crimea; Brexit; the fighting in
Northern Syria; ISIS; the political situation in Venezuela; gang violence in Honduras; North
Korea’s nuclear missiles; Civil war in Ethiopia, etc. (Maybe 3-4 pages for this part; use
footnotes.)
#2 Using Realist theory – and being SPECIFIC (put your emphasis on this part):
(a) Identify what are the specific US interests related to the situation you have chosen,
focusing on the most important but also covering lesser interests, as appropriate. If you
identify multiple interests, rank them. Discuss your analysis;
(b) Identify and discuss how you propose the US government should deal with it, that is,
using Realist Theory to guide you, i.e., using diplomacy as covered in class.
(c) Still using Realist theory, compare to one other historical situation discussed or
otherwise covered in class or in the readings.
#3 In general, what would be the likely costs and benefits of doing what you propose?
#4 Based on the book, The Hell of Good Intentions, what would Stephen Walt say about what
you propose, based on his view of Realist theory?
#5 What is your personal assessment of the value of using Realist theory. Does the theory help
you decide how the government should deal with different international situations? Or is it not
that helpful. Give your honest, personal opinion.