international relations 2/10

The exam begins on Monday at 1 AM and ends Sunday at 11:59 PM, almost an entire week.
Final scores may show decimals (e.g., 1.8) if one answer is incorrect; hence, do not assume a score of zero if mistakes are made.
Emphasis on accuracy in scoring; if the exam hasn't been covered adequately, feedback is encouraged, though it seems well-prepared.

Theories covered in the exam include:
- Current history
- Liberalism
- Realism
- Behavioralism
- Neo-realism
- Neoliberalism
- Social constructivism
If well answered, students earn two points for correct answers, while partial credit leads to non-integer scores.

Political matters: Focus on contemporary issues and historical context.
Introduction to World Systems Theory:
- This theory posits that similar states work together and exclude others.
- Historically, powerful countries have aligned, exemplified by the strong partnerships among the United States, United Kingdom, and other European states.
Current changes in international relations, noted during the Trump administration, indicate that traditional alliances are fraying.
- The USA's diplomatic tensions with Canada and Mexico are referenced, along with new engagements with Qatar and UAE, suggesting a shift away from established norms in political alliances.
Example with Iran and Europe:
- Tensions regarding the possibility of armed conflict with Iran showcase the changing political dynamics; traditional allies may not unconditionally support the USA in the event of conflict.

Internal Affairs: Powerful states must deal with their internal stability versus external threats.
Reference to domestic protests and responses indicates the tension between governance and civil rights, highlighting the significant potential for internal divisions in countries like the USA.
Discusses the differing opinions on the acceptable form of protest, illuminating the complexity of recognizing rights versus managing societal order.
Diversity and Unity: Societal fragmentation is becoming increasingly significant, as illustrated by the NFL’s Super Bowl halftime show that featured a Spanish presentation, igniting debate about cultural representation and audience targeting.
- This reflects social scores and market shifts as demographics within the USA evolve.

Geopolitical Context: Discussion includes the perception of Greenland’s strategic value in military terms, demonstrating a disconnect between perceived size and military importance.
The discussion of submarine warfare emphasizes the strategic considerations related to geography; control over critical maritime routes and territories is crucial for national security and defensive posturing.

Military Necessity: Understand that economic investment drives military capabilities, emphasizing that countries with strong militaries may overshadow those with weaker defenses.
A benchmark is established regarding military expenditures, noting that the USA spends about 20% of its GDP on defense, far higher than many countries which allocate around 5%.
Military prowess serves as both a deterrent and a means for nations to exercise power internationally.

Force Doctrine: When peaceful measures fail, states resort to military might to ensure survival.
The example of Iran developing nuclear capabilities serves to highlight how states perceive military power as a protective necessity.
The USA's global military spending surpasses that of all other countries combined, emphasizing its singular global power status.
- Transformation in Warfare: Highlights how modern warfare pivots towards technology-driven strategies focusing on stealth and precision over sheer numbers.
- Cluster Munitions: Discusses current weapons controversy and how the USA's military use contrasts with international norms prohibiting certain warfare tactics.
The trajectory towards fifth-generation military technology: Stealth capabilities are emphasized as a crucial area of military innovation.
- Consideration of unmanned systems and the evolution of conflict tactics reflects ongoing changes.
Contrasting Defense vs. Offense: With defensive technologies rising, there's a shifting paradigm in military capabilities where traditional offense is increasingly countered with defensive strategies.
- Historical references relate back to lessons learned from previous global conflicts, urging a reflection on the nature of warfare.

Diplomacy: Acknowledged as complex and nuanced, lacking definitive rules compared to domestic governance structures, emphasizing the differing value systems across nations.
Understanding of cultural sensitivity is pivotal in diplomatic contexts, reflecting that each state's interests and perceptions are unique—highlighted through various diplomatic scenarios involving communication styles and gender considerations.
Sticks and Carrots: Represents diplomacy strategies where 'sticks' suggest coercive measures and 'carrots' imply incentives—challenges arise in transitioning between these methods effectively.
- The example of Canadian and American relations following shifts under the Trump administration is discussed, noting how geopolitical landscapes continuously evolve.

Emphasizes understanding political, social, geographic, economic, military capabilities and their respective limitations is essential for grasping contemporary international relations