Overview
In the last weeks, we have analyzed a number of competing and often intersecting traditions with the realm of International Relations. While these perspectives have been central in informing, and often expanding, our understanding of national security, we are yet to truly put them to use against the sweeping backdrop of modern history. Additionally, as we have spent our time in the course reviewing and dissecting the works of Ikenberry, Bacevich, North, and Lenin, the world outside our classroom has undergone significant developments, the likes of which prove crucial to our work; from Iran, to Mexico, to Ukraine, the fundamental questions of national security remain before us.
As we approach the start of our second module, the job of extrapolating many of these lessons to both history and the present era stands before us. In an attempt to orient, give shape, and hone your thoughts, you are tasked with the following:
Explore and examine one of the three theoretical perspectives (realism, liberalism, imperialism) we have discussed, and their specific application or relevance to any world historical event from the last 35 years (1991-2026).
What does the perspective of your choosing say about the origins of this conflict or event? What about the lessons to be learned? How does your event factor into the larger argument your chosen perspective advances? These are the basic questions that your work must cover, through which your comprehension and understanding of your select approach will ultimately be measured and graded. Additionally, you may ask and answer questions such as where the limitations of your perspective lie in assessing your event? Does a particular facet of your perspective have relevant overlap within another perspective? Are there perhaps other lessons to be learned aside from the one ultimately presented by your respective author(s)?
In completing this assignment, one of your central goals is to avoid summary, understood here as a simple overview of the event adjacent to a particular perspective. As a result, your ultimate task is to synthesize historical review, political perspective, and personal reflection/impression. Your ability to do so in an eloquent, cohesive, and articulate manner will determine your grade.
As we have covered history directly only slightly, you are expected to do a reasonable amount of research pertaining to your selected event. Though your aim is to reference the course material when writing about your selected perspective, you are allowed (but not required) to consult relevant outside material as well. Thus, be sure to include proper citations when utilizing outside sources, including a Works Cited, or Bibliography page at the end of your paper. Failure to do so will result in an incomplete grade.
This assignment will be due on March 16th, 2026 at 11:59PM via a submission window on Canvas. The format consists of:
● A relevant title
● 12ptfont,TimesNewRomanpreferred.
- ● 5 pages, double-spaced
- ● Works Cited page