Problem: Refugee Crisis in Syria
Liberal perspective: The refugee crisis is a humanitarian issue that requires international cooperation and adherence to human rights principles.
Realists understand that the refugee crisis is a complex issue that requires a pragmatic and strategic approach. They prioritize the interests and security of their nation while acknowledging the plight of those seeking refuge. By adopting a realistic stance, we can work towards a solution that benefits refugees and the host country.
Identity perspective: The global refugee crisis is not just a political issue but also an identity issue. How we view ourselves and our culture about others plays a significant role in our approach to this crisis. National identity, cultural values, and perceptions of “us” versus “them” are all key factors that intersect with the refugee crisis from an identity perspective. Therefore, it’s crucial to recognize and address these underlying issues to tackle this crisis effectively and compassionately.
Write a 1,000 – 1,250 word (approximately 4-5 pages, double-spaced, standard margins, 12-pt. New Times Roman font) paper that examines a contemporary problem in international relations from the three major IR perspectives (liberalism, realism, and identity). Describe what each of the three perspectives would emphasize as the root causes of the problem, and determine which perspective is most important to emphasize if we are to understand and work toward addressing the problem. The word count is for the body of the text only and does not include any references, footnotes, or works cited.
Structure
Components of the paper are to include the following:
1. A title page that includes a word count for the body of the paper only (excluding any references, footnotes, and the title page itself).
2. A brief introduction (~1 paragraph) that communicates a clear central thesis.
3. Description of the problem (~1 page). What are the facts of the case? Why is this a significant problem or challenge for the international community?
4. Description of how the three major IR perspectives would approach the problem (~1.5 pages). What factors would liberalism, realism, and identity approaches highlight in this particular case?
5. Analysis of the utility of the three perspectives in understanding the problem (~1.5 pages). To what extent do liberalism, realism, and identity perspectives offer a useful and accurate diagnosis of your chosen problem? What are their blind spots or misconceptions? Which of the perspectives holds the key to understanding this problem and moving toward its solution?
6. A brief conclusion (~1 paragraph) that recapitulates the central argument advanced in the paper.
7. References page. (You should also have ample in-text parenthetical citations throughout the body of the paper.)
You might want to check out the Council on Foreign Relations’ Global Conflict Tracker (linked as a study item below) for some ideas, though you are by no means limited to the security realm. You are welcome to write a paper about migration flows, humanitarian crises, globalization, intergovernmental and supranational organizations, etc. Simply perusing articles published in Foreign Affairs or The Economist over the past two years might give you some ideas as well. If you have any doubts about whether you’ve chosen a good topic or need some suggestions, please contact me.
Sources
You must cite a minimum of eight sources in your paper. These include sources you will identify yourself, as well as any of the suggested ones listed below. In addition to this requirement, at least FIVE of your sources must be scholarly or professional. The remaining sources can be from the popular press, but they must nevertheless come from a credible publication.
Scholarly/professional sources include the following:
- Books published by university presses
- Peer-reviewed academic journal articles; some examples:
- General political science: American Political Science Review, American Journal of Political Science, Journal of Politics
- General international politics: World Politics, Comparative Political Studies, International Studies Quarterly
- Foreign policy: Foreign Policy Analysis
- Conflict and security studies: Journal of Peace Research, International Security, Journal of Conflict Resolution, Conflict Management and Peace Science
- International governance: International Organization, European Union Politics, International Interactions
- Journals published by think tanks
- Foreign Affairs is a very good one for this paper
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- Some recommended think- tanks include the Council on Foreign Relations, Center for Strategic and International Studies, Belfer Center, Cato Institute, Heritage Foundation, Brookings Institution, Chatham House, and American Enterprise Institute (but there are many others)
- Government policy analysis papers
- Congressional Research Service (CRS) reports (linked as a study item below)
- Government Accountability Office (GAO) reports (linked as a study item below)
There are many credible non-academic publications and you can exercise your judgment on what to include. Some examples include major (non-tabloid) newspapers in countries with a free press, national (e.g. BBC) or international (e.g. Reuters) news agencies, and many websites devoted to political news, analysis & commentary.
Course textbook: Nau, Henry R. Perspectives On International Relations. 7th edition.
Citations
The citation format to be followed is the Chicago Manual of Style’s author-date format.