VE 3 I

  450 words 

1) What are the strengths and weaknesses of each of the system theories discussed in the chapter —realism, liberalism, and constructivism? In other words, what kind of evidence makes each theory more or less plausible?

2) What are the fundamental strengths and weaknesses of polarity as a tool of explanation for how the international system works? (Remember the Waltz MACAT video in Module 1?) Based on the history of IR since Westphalia, is some kind of polar structure a permanent feature of the international system, or does this feature seem merely contingent? Explain.

3) Islamic arguably offers a ‘unit level’ explanation for (bad) collective behavior based upon the multiplier effect of individual sin. Briefly comment on whether ‘sin’ theory explains the behavior of the system and its parts as well as rival theories?