International Relations: Theories and Approaches

The University of the West Indies Course Code GOVT 2046 2020/05/27

DO NOT WRITE OR TYPE ON THE BACK OF THIS SHEET: USE ONE SIDE ONLY INSTRUCTIONS: Each page must be signed

by the First and Second Examiners, and where applicable the University and External Examiners. Completed forms should be handed to

the Senior/ Assistant Registrar (Examinations). Where applicable, the EXTERNAL EXAMINER is required to sign the question paper

and return it with comments, if any, (on a separate sheet), to the Senior/Assistant Registrar (Examinations).

……………………………………………..……………. ……………………………………………

First Examiner Date (y/m/d University Examiner (where applicable) ……………………………………………………….…. …………………………………………….

Second Examiner Date (y/m/d) External Examiner (where applicable)

Date: 20 ..... / ... . /... (y/m/d)

1

The University of the West Indies

SEMESTER I SEMESTER II SUPPLEMENTAL/SUMMER SCHOOL

Examinations of December /April/May June/July 2020

Originating Campus: Cave Hill Mona St. Augustine

Mode: On Campus By Distance

Course Code and Title: GOVT 2046 International Relations: Theories & Approaches

Date: Time:

Duration: Hours. Paper No:

Materials required: Answer booklet: Normal Special Not required

Calculator: Programmable Non Programmable (where applicable)

Multiple choice answer sheets: numerical alphabetical 1- 20 1-100 Auxiliary/Other material(s) - Please specify: _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Candidates are permitted to bring the following items to their desks: Pencil or pen, Ruler, ID Card, Exam Card, French-English Dictionary. ___________________________________________________________________________________________

Instructions to Candidates: This paper has 2 pages & 7 questions.

PLEASE READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY

Attempt any TWO (2) questions.

▪ Your response to each question should be no longer than 2000 words (excluding reference

list)

▪ Students are reminded that the University applies severe penalties for instances of

plagiarism.

▪ An Accountability Statement must be included with each submission.

▪ Please use the Turnitin section to check your documents before submitting.

Candidates are reminded that the examiners shall take into account the proper use of the English Language in

determining the mark for each response.

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The University of the West Indies Course Code GOVT 2046 2020/05/27

DO NOT WRITE OR TYPE ON THE BACK OF THIS SHEET: USE ONE SIDE ONLY INSTRUCTIONS: Each page must be signed

by the First and Second Examiners, and where applicable the University and External Examiners. Completed forms should be handed to

the Senior/ Assistant Registrar (Examinations). Where applicable, the EXTERNAL EXAMINER is required to sign the question paper

and return it with comments, if any, (on a separate sheet), to the Senior/Assistant Registrar (Examinations).

……………………………………………..……………. ……………………………………………

First Examiner Date (y/m/d University Examiner (where applicable) ……………………………………………………….…. …………………………………………….

Second Examiner Date (y/m/d) External Examiner (where applicable)

Date: 20 ..... / ... . /... (y/m/d)

2

GOVT 2046 International Relations: Theories & Approaches

1. In what ways have elements of Realism and Liberalism been evident in the Covid-19 pandemic

responses of states, multilateral organizations and other actors?

2. How has integrating a gender perspective in International Relations advanced the development

agenda? Is there any disadvantage to focusing on the issues of women and girls in world affairs?

3. Postmodernism and Social Constructivism are generally critical of the mainstream theories of

International Relations? In your assessment, how have these theories enhanced the

understanding of the world? Does one of these approaches offer a more coherent and applicable

model than the other?

4. Has Neoliberalism resulted in the levels of international cooperation and stability anticipated by

its proponents?

5. “Latin America and the Caribbean countries, as independent sovereign countries, have the right

to determine their own foreign relations, including choosing their trade and investment partners.

Others are in no position to impose interference or coercion out of ulterior motives.” (Statement

from the Chinese Embassy, Kingston, Jamaica, January 2020). Does Dependency theory

provide a comprehensive analysis of the constraints placed on the sovereignty and independence

of developing countries of the Caribbean, Latin America and other regions?

{Access the full article here: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/lead-stories/20200123/china-

fires-back-us-embassy-calls-trump-troublemaker-starting-fires}

6. “Climate change is the major environmental challenge facing nations today and it is increasingly

viewed as one of the central issues in international relations.” (Nordhaus, 2020) Trace the

evolution of how environmental issues were placed on the agenda of world politics. How useful

are the theoretical approaches in the field?

7. a. Explain the term deductive and say how such an approach is useful.

b. Critically discuss how Neorealism has given insights to the international relations of any one

Caribbean country during the Cold War.

c. Has Neorealism had continued relevance for explaining this country’s contemporary

foreign policy with the United States, China, the European Union and other major players in

the twenty-first century?

END OF QUESTION PAPER