Interwar Writers - International Political Theory Today - Past Exam, Exams of Political Science

Download Interwar Writers - International Political Theory Today - Past Exam and more Exams Political Science in PDF only on Docsity! ABERYSTWYTH UNIVERSITY FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL POLITICS SEMESTER TWO EXAMINATIONS ACADEMIC YEAR 2008/2009 GW30120 DAMCANIAETHAU GWLEIDYDDIAETH RYNGWLADOL HEDDIW / IP30120 INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL THEORY Time allowed: Two Hours Answer TWO questions, ONE question from EACH section. PART I 1. ‘It is hard to say that there is any longer a particular core to the field [of International Relations]’ (K. J. Holsti). Do you agree with this statement? 2. Is Carr’s critique of ‘utopianism’ based on an accurate representation of the work of interwar writers on international politics? What are the main concerns in the work of these interwar writers? 3. Is there a normative and critical dimension to realism? Answer this in reference to specific authors, such as Carr, Morgenthau and Herz. 4. In a world in which there is so much war, is it be possible to speak of an ‘international society’? 5. Compare and contrast Waltz and Wendt’s accounts of international anarchy. Can you identify any similarities between them? If so, how can these be explained? PART II 6. Marxists argue that capitalism, not anarchy is the key fact in the international system. Do you agree with their argument? 7. Compare and contrast Critical Theory and poststructuralist approaches to the issues of emancipation and resistance. In your opinion, which is a more convincing approach? 8. Is state-building a normatively reprehensible practice in the international realm? 9. Has the meaning of ‘sovereignty’ altered over time? 10. In your opinion, what will be the most important challenge in international politics over the next decade and to what extent can International Relations theories tackle it?