1) Several major IR theories have largely neglected the importance of culture, race and

religion in international relations. Yet, there has been a resurgence of interest recently in

these topics. Explain how cultural, racial and religious dynamics have been used to explain

developments in world politics and highlight any potential problems or dangers you see with

these approaches.

2) Explain why Christopher Layne believes that "Over the next two decades, international

politics will be shaped by whether the international system remains unipolar or becomes

multipolar." Why is this question so important? What do the various readings Layne reviews

and some of the other material we covered in class suggest we should expect to see here?

3) Individual leaders are often presumed to be rational decision-makers. Yet, as Drezner

puts it, "human beings cannot be reduced to bloodless calculating machines, despite the

assumptions of rational choice theorists. All individuals have fears, foibles, and failings that

cause behavior to deviate from how a dispassionate, rational decision maker would behave."

Describe and explain at least four of the information processing mechanisms or

psychological dynamics that have been identified which affect how individual leaders make

foreign policy decisions and indicate how they do or do not suggest deviations from rational

behavior.

4) Describe and explain what non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are. Summarize and

explain Richard Price's arguments on the role that NGOs and transnational civil society

played in the campaign to ban anti-personnel landmines. What does this suggest to Price

about the relative influence that NGOs do or do not have on international relations? Assess

the significance of and limits to the impact of NGOs on international relations and indicate

whether you share Price's assessment in this regard.

5) Using either current or historical examples, identify and explain the various ways in which

states conduct international relations or the various tools available to them in pursuing their

foreign policy goals and interests.

6) Individuals remain peripheral or insignificant actors in international relations. Agree or

disagree and explain why.