Indicate which aspects of realism or liberalism help us understand this event. Be concrete and specific. Are the airstrikes primarily about anarchy, self-help, zero-sum games, and similar realist concepts? Or are they about institutions, economics, collective security, and positive-sum games? Be sure to clearly define terms and jargon.
Consider counterarguments.
You’re not just arguing that realism or liberalism can explain this event. Rather, you’re arguing that one approach explains this event
better than the other. Pick a side, and make an argument for why your preferred approach is better than the
alternative.
Consider the limitations and weaknesses of your preferred approach. That is, even if one
approach explains this event better than the other, are there nonetheless aspects of the event
that even your preferred approach can’t explain?
Essays will be graded according to the following rubric
Understanding: Shows a strong grasp of relevant concepts from realism and liberalism; clearly defines key terms and concepts; clarifies how the approaches differ.
Application: Applies specific realist and liberal concepts to a real-world event in a plausible way; identifies aspects of the event that are consistent with the preferred theoretical framework; considers obvious counterarguments, as well as the limitations of the preferred approach.
Style: Meets expectations for organization, grammar, spelling, writing style, and word count.
Essays will be graded according to the following rubric
Understanding: Shows a strong grasp of relevant concepts from realism and liberalism; clearly defines key terms and concepts; clarifies how the approaches differ.
Application: Applies specific realist and liberal concepts to a real-world event in a plausible way; identifies aspects of the event that are consistent with the preferred theoretical framework; considers obvious counterarguments, as well as the limitations of the preferred approach.
Style: Meets expectations for organization, grammar, spelling, writing style, and word count.
font with 1” margins. Format your essay according to an established style guide, such as
Chicago Manual. (Your TA may require a specific style guide.)