Foreign Policy Exam 2 Not Mine
when has America had to choose between these 4 Ps? What did it choose? Why?
- 4Ps complementarity (Optimal, but infrequent): the 1990-91 Persian Gulf War; the Marshall Plan 1947 - 4Ps trade-offs (more frequent, more problematic): China's suppression of pro-democratic protest in 1989; Guatemala 1954 -4Ps Dissensus(Bitter Conflicts): Iraq War 2003
What are the four patterns that characterize presidential-congressional foreign policy relations according to Jentleson? Briefly describe each one. Briefly describe the two theories that explain which pattern is likely to emerge
--Cooperation-Congress has either concurred with or deferred to the president and a largely common, coordinated policy has been pursued.-Constructive Compromise-when the 2 branches have bridged conflicts and come to a policy that proved better than either's original position.-Institutional Competition-which the conflicts have been less over the substance of policy than over institutional prerogatives and the balance between the need for executive accountability and congressional oversight.-Confrontation-the policy positions have been insubstantial conflict and Pennsylvania Avenue diplomacy has shown its greatest tensions.-By shared powers, Jentleson means that the President and Congress both have a choice on the issue
What are the 5 kinds of procedural legislation? Briefly describe each one.
1 ) Create agencies, which would change the process on which decisions are made because it would add another voice and opinion into the mix of departments. 2) Legislative veto, which would counter the acts of the president if they did not agree with the way he handled the foreign policy issue. 3) New groups, which would add to the debate over a certain issue and may sway it to one side or the other. 4 ) Conditions, which would set up the conditions on which a policy should be debated. 5) Reporting requirements, which changed the procedure of solving the foreign policy debate because they are forcing them to report everything
According to realists like Morgenthau, why is promoting domestic morality through foreign policy a bad idea? (Discuss all the reasons)
1-Morality is unsuited to the conditions of the international structure. 2-Moral crusading: if we promote liberal ideas to other countries, we create conflict by trying to impose domestic approaches to other countries. If states focused on power, they'd be less concerned about conflict unless power was a central issue. 3-If the US doesn't follow the power approach; it will inevitably lead to conflict. The only way for the US to promote its ideals is surviving.
What is the legislative veto? How is it implemented? Why was it declared unconstitutional?
A legislative veto is when Congress vetoes an action taken by a department such as the INS. Congress implements it but it was declared unconstitutional because both houses didn't approve it and it didn't go to the President.
What is sustainable development?
A policy approach that "meets the need of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." The needs of the present refer to an emphasis on issues of global inequality and broadening of the agenda beyond including issues of human development and human security. The reference to future generations is relevant to the global environment.
What are Accodmodationalists, Internationalists, Hardliners, and Isolationists? What are their views towards foreign policy? How do they all relate to each other?
Accomodationalists are not militant internationalists but are cooperative internationalists. Internationalists are both militant and cooperative. Hardliners are not cooperative but are militant. Isolationists are neither cooperative nor militant. Their view towards FP and their relation is that they either want cooperative or militant action
What are the Constitutional powers of the President? Briefly describe each one
According to the Constitution, the President has the power of the chief negotiator, meaning that he has the power to negotiate treaties with other countries. In order to enact these treaties, the Senate needs to confirm. However, the President is the only one who is negotiating them with other powers. The Constitution also states that the President is the commander-in-chief, which means that he is head of the military and can order troops to fight when necessary, even without having to declare war. The Constitution also says that he is the Chief Executive, which means that he has the power to decide how the laws of the US should be enforced and chooses officials and advisors to help run the executive.
How does American political culture affect American national security institutions? Why?
Affects the establishment of American national security institutions 1) tensions with government institutions (particular national security ones) because they provide the basis to which to limit the rights of citizens 2) Britan vs. US: war between democratic states Small national security institutions and checks on them 1) ideals-liberty 2) accountability (increased checks on security institutions) Nat'l Security was founded before the liberal cultures, formed to protect gov't institutions, and all institutions are evaluated within the confines of American political culture.
What were some challenges during the war in Afghanistan that the US government faced (both in Afghanistan and the US)? What were the challenges with Pakistan?
Afghanistan:- the reliance on local forces as a way of limiting the ground forces that the US had to commitbut the local force is not effective in fighting Taliban- the initial victory is proved inconclusive: occupying and controlling the major cities of the country does not help to eradicates Taliban and Al Qaeda in rural and mountain areas- the Afghanistan new government's massive corruption and ineffective governance making the tension between the US and the Afghanistan government- the number of troops deployed in Afghanistan and when to withdraw the troops were two major topics in the 2008 and 2012 US presidential election Pakistan Taliban was derived from Northern Pakistan; after the 2001 war, it returned to Northern Pakistan and rebuilt its power-The previous Pakistan government (President Musharraf and the intelligence agency) had been supporting Taliban while fighting against it under the pressure from the U.S.
What are the three ways that the media influences foreign policy? What is the historical precedent over freedom of the press vs national security?
Agenda setting • - Shaping Public Opinion • -Direct Influence on Policy Makers • What is the historical precedent over freedom of the press vs national security? • For example, during the Bay of Pigs in 1961, many major newspapers restrained their reports under the pressure of the White House, but some others didn't restrain on reporting the plan of invasion. Thus President Kennedy delivered a strong speech to the American Newspaper Publisher Association construing the national security rationale as a constraint on freedom of the press. • Then, in 1962 during the Cuban missile crisis, most press restrained some of its reporting until the crisis was solved.
Why have American leaders stressed the importance of an engaged America in the post Cold War world? Why is American foreign policy important according to Jentleson?
American leaders have stressed the importance of an engaged America because there have been and will be security threats, the American economy is more internationalized than ever before, other policy areas that were considered domestic have been internationalized, the increase of diversity in America has produced larger interest groups in foreign affairs, and it's hard for the US to uphold its basic values if we ignore violations of other countries. Jentleson believes American foreign policy is important because foreign policy is the essence and process of choice.
How does American political culture affect America's foreign policy goals? Why? What particular view on foreign policy does American political culture lead to?
American political culture sets up the boundaries for the set of policy options that could exist. Since foreign policy is judged by American values, the public would be very against any foreign policy that was not within the boundaries set up by the American political culture. The American political culture's view on foreign policy leads to the concept of American Exceptionalism, which values promotion, is suspicious of entanglements, and has a dichotomous view on war and peace.
What is an American Exceptionalism argument? What is political culture? What are the five important elements of American political culture?
An American Exceptionalism argument is that America has a unique foreign policy. Political culture is the basis of American Exceptionalism. It is patterned set of ways of thinking about how politics and governing ought to be carried out. The 5 important elements of American political culture are: Liberty, Equality, Individual responsibility, Democracy, and Civic duty.
What is an executive agreement? Why is it used more than treaties?
An executive agreement holds the same power as a treaty. It is used more than treaties because it doesn't have to be approved by the senate.
According to Jentleson, who are the big three? And what affects who has the most influential role? What is groupthink? Why is it significant?
Big three are National Security Advisor, Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense Who has the most influence depends on a number of factors: relationship with president, own prominence and bureaucratic skills. Policy at hand may also determine who is most effective. Groupthink-social psychology concept that refers to the pressure within small groups unanimity that work again individual critical thinking. Significant because it can lead to alternative points of view being quickly dismissed and ultimately, to policies that are not that well thought out or formulates.
How does Congress influence foreign policy? Briefly describe each way.
Congress can pass substantive legislation, anticipate reactions, pass procedural legislation, frame opinion, and sue the executive to influence foreign policy. With substantive legislation, they can pass laws that directly affect foreign policy or that counters the president's stance on a foreign policy issue. They can also anticipate reactions of the American people, as well as pass procedural legislation, which change the process on which decisions are made. Another way Congress can influence FP is through framing opinion by holding committee hearings, making reports, and make speeches and media appearances to change public opinion, pressure the executive, and pressure other countries
What does the balance of power theory argue? Why does the US act according to this theory? How can this theory explain US aid to Iraq in the 1980s and then the Gulf War in 1990-1?
Countries try to maintain a balance of power between the major powers in the system. The US acts to this theory so we can stay balanced with the other powers in the world. The US gave support to Iraq against Iran because Iran had a much larger power than them. In the Gulf War, the US supported Kuwait against Iraq and balanced the power between those 2 countries by funding and training Kuwait armies.
What are the three types of foreign policy categories? Briefly describe each one. How do the categories relate to each other? What is the power of the Congress relative to the President in each category? Why is Congress so weak in crisis settings?
Crises, which are immediate threats that need to be handled by President. Strategic, which are goals of foreign policy and congress has intermediate power over these. Structural, which are structural issues with foreign policy, which congress has the most power over. Congress is weak in crisis setting because the way that Congress is set up is in such a way that policies move slow, and in crisis situations, you need a fast actor-which is the President
What did the Curtiss-Wright and Youngstown Supreme Court decisions say? How did they affect the balance between executive and congressional powers?
Curtiss-Wright- dealt with whether an embargo could be imposed against an American company's arms sale. Rules that president had greater power over Congress in foreign policy affairs because of law of nations President seen as sole authority of country. Youngstown-Limited exec power to seize private property without consulting Congress. Both cases demonstrate conflict between President and Congress about power Curtis Wright put a lot of power in hands of president. State President was sole representative of nation and Congress must give president certain degree of freedom. Curtis Wright offset balance of power by giving exec branch a lot of power. Youngstown restored balance somewhat. Gave congress and President equal powers in sticky situations. Although no more power was given to Congress there wasn't a court case that promoted presidential power like Curtis Wright. Congress considers this a win even though they did not get full power.
What is Democratic Idealism? How does it characterize relations between states and foreign policy? What is the democratic peace theory? What is soft power? Why is it significant for America?
Democratic Idealism is an international relations theory that emphasizes Principles and is rooted in 2 central tenets: in a tradeoff, "right is to be chosen over "might," and in the long run, "right" makes for "might." It characterizes relations by standing up for the principles on which the US was founded and not to be just another player in global politics. The democratic peace theory is an international relations theory that asserts that promoting democracy also promotes peace because democracies do not go to war against each other. In other words, this theory claims that the world could be made safe by democracy. Soft power is the ways in which the values for which a nation stands—its cultural attractiveness and other aspects of its reputation— can be sources of influence in the world. It's significant for America because it depends on how America lives up to its ideals within our own society.
Briefly describe the arguments for and against the use of drones.
Drone attack is illegal in the sense of killing terrorist suspects, especially American citizens, without having a trail. It is also illegal because of violating other countries sovereignty. The use of drones is also unethical because of causing civilian casualties. Moreover, it is not wise because once precedence is set, other countries and even terrorist groups can justify the use of drones for their interests and security.
What are the five types of foreign policy interest groups according to Jentleson? How are they different? How influential is each group? Why? Who is AIPAC?
Economic groups —this category includes multinational corporations & other businesses, labor unions, consumers & other groups whose lobbying is motivated principally by how FP affects the economic interest of their members. Identity groups —their groups are motivated less by economic interests than by ethnic or religious identity. Political issue groups —organized around support or opposition to a political issue that is not principally a matter of their economic interests or group identity. to influence FP as its affects their interests. Foreign governments —it is of course normal diplomacy for governments to have embassies in each others' capitals. AIPAC—American-Israel Public Affairs Committee . STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS: Increasingly seeking to influence foreign policy. Local activism covers many areas, such as cutting defense spending, trade issues, economic trade sanctions, and many others.
What are Economism? What are imperialism/neo-colonialism? How are they different? How does it characterize relations between states? Be able to explain Hobson/Lenin's arguments about capitalism and imperialism.
Economism and imperialism are both theories that deal with the "prosperity" approach to foreign policy. Economism emphasizes the pursuit through foreign policy of general economic benefits to the nation. These benefits include: a favorable balance of trade, strong economic growth, and a healthy macro-economy. The goal is collective prosperity in which the interests of the individuals of the society are served. Imperialism sees foreign policy as being dominated by and serving the interests of the capitalist class and other elites, such as multinational corporations and major banks. Prosperity for the private benefit of special interests is sought in this case, and this is highly exploitative of other countries. They are different in that Economism serves the interest of the people of the country while Imperialism serves the interests of private groups that run the country. Economism looks for collective prosperity for the individuals of society while imperialism looks for the prosperity of private interests of the capitalist class.
What are executive agreements? Why do Presidents use them? What are declaratory commitments? Which foreign policy officials do not require Senate confirmation?
Executive agreements are commitments the President may make with governments of other countries. In theory, these agreements are supposed to be used for minor government-to-government matters, though there has never been a bright line between them and treaties. The government may use these agreements to get around the requirement of needing congressional approval, namely the 2/3 majority in the Senate required for treaty ratification. Declaratory commitments are policy directions or commitments that originate in speeches and statements by the president and are not in any written or legal form. Foreign policy officials who do not require Senate confirmation include the National Security Adviser and the staff of the National Security Council.
What affects the President's ability to be the key foreign policy decision maker? What is a belief system? What are its core components? How does it affect FP decisions?
Factors that affect President as key foreign policy decision maker-extent and expertise of foreign policy president brings to table. Second is characteristics of president as an individual. Belief system-Describes presidents worldview. Have three components. 1. Analytic component Conception of international system: What is Presidents view of the basic structure of the international system? Who and what are threats to the US. 2. Normative component of national interest hierarchy: How does the President rank the core objectives of Power Peace Principles and Prosperity. 3. Instrumental component of basic strategy: What is the optimal strategy to be pursued? Affect foreign policy decision making individual leaders have different issues and believe systems. Carter and Reagan differed in perceptions of international system and hierarchies of national interest. Carter saw cold war as over and ranked Peace and Principles as most important. Reagan saw world in bipolar terms and valued Power and Peace most. Carter was noninterventionist and Reagan was interventionist.
Briefly describe the three broad dynamics of why the US is a target of international terrorism.
First dynamic is globalization and terrorism as the underside of globalization. With the improvements in technology and the internet and the transportation of people and ideals terrorists can use these same measures to spread terrorism ideal globally. Globalization gives terrorists far more global power making them a bigger threat Second dynamic is the tactical advantages held by terrorists toward the US. Terrorism grants them element of surprise. Could attack any location without advanced technology or military force. US military strength is not suited well for terrorism and alternate methods need to be devised. Third dynamic is interconnection between fundamentalist Islam and American policies toward Middle East. Examples of US foreign policy causing hostility are continued involvement with Israel and the US backing out of Afghanistan after war with soviets in 1988. Policies create tensions which spread fundamentalist Islam and cause animosity towards the US which fuels terrorism.
How does the Bureaucratic Model of Politics explain American foreign policy and how it is made? What is a bureaucracy?
Foreign Policy is a compromise of different Bureaucratic branches. It is made by different ideas and incentives and also by the interaction of individuals constrained by their roles. A bureaucracy is an administration of government through departments and subdivisions managed by appointed officials
How do foreign policy actions increase a President's popularity? What are some examples?
Foreign policy actions increase a president's popularity because the public will rally around the flag and focus on the external problems more than the internal issues at hand. This is good for a president because he has control over external affairs while he has almost no control over domestic affairs, so it plays into his favor. An example of this would be President Bush, where his approval rating was the highest ever in history because of his response to the 9/11 attacks and the war on terror.
According to Jentleson, why is politics stopping at the water's edge a myth?
He says it's a myth because the domestic consensus that characterized the Cold War era was more the exeption than the rule. Also, the consensus hasn't always been a good thing and domestic political conflict isn't necessarily always bad for foreign policy.
Why are power transitions dangerous? What are containment and engagement policies towards China? What is the logic of each?
History and international theories show that tensions and war are often associated with the rise of a new great power. • Containment policies towards China are similar to the policies containing Soviet Union during the Cold War, though milder and more limited. The strategy assumes if the country's external ambitions are contained, China is more likely to become more democratic and less of a threat due to its internal changes. Whether China's rise will be a peaceful rise depends on whether US foreign policy is tough enough to check its expansionist inclination. • Engagement policies towards China aim to work out the issues between US and China through diplomacy and negotiations. The strategy considers China less threatening. It emphasizes integration and diplomacy to provide structured, peaceful mechanisms for dealing with China's own concerns. It encourages China to follow international norms and abide by international rules. Though issues of human rights and democratization should not be neglected, they prefer other approaches to economic sanctions to address those issues.
What is the difference between the media as cheerleader and critic?
If media supports something they're being a cheerleader o Ex: WWII supported If they don't support something they're being a critic o Ex: Vietnam war, once things started getting bad
What is the security dilemma? What is its main argument? Why does it characterize the current international debate over BMD?
If one country builds up its military, then there is a counter build up in another country to balance their military against the original country. The argument is that if you build up defensively, other countries can assume/imply that you are building up offensively. It characterizes the ABM debate because America is building up Anti-ballistic missiles for a defensive stand, other countries see that as America setting up missiles to send somewhere else
Briefly describe the Obama strategy towards global counterterrorism.
In general, Obama's strategy seeks to integrate diplomatic, political, economic and other instruments of power and influence. Compare to the policy of Bush, it is a mix of change and continuity. Change in tone: less tough than the Bush administration; much friendly to the Islamic world Continuity: continuing using drones to target terrorists in other countries.
Why has the US traditionally had better relations with Pakistan than India? Briefly describe the factors that make India stand out as an emerging world power?
India had close ties with SU and was head of the non-aligned movement during the Cold War which is why the US had better relations with Pakistan rather than with India. • There were a few factors as to what made India stand out as an emerging world power. The factors are: Size, India has 15% of the total world population making them the second biggest country population wise. India's place in globalization, which is a major center of technological innovation in their own right and in recent years, India's economy has held the fastest growing economy rates. Another factor making India stand out as an emerging world power is their possession of nuclear weapons. Finally, India has been playing a significant global diplomatic role. All of these factors play in to make India a stand out as an emerging world power.
What is international internationalism? How does it characterize relations between states? What are international institutions? Why are international institutions important? What are the five types?
International internationalism is a foreign policy that argues that liberal states should intervene in other sovereign states in order to undergo their objective. This intervention can be either military invasion or humanitarian aid. International internationalism characterizes between states because it gives the aiding country the chance to help another achieve what it wants but also giving them their own ideals. International internationalism also gives the countries a chance to make new allies with different nations. International institutions are defined by the book as "the rules that govern elements of world politics and the organizations that help implement those rules." These institutions can be both formal and informal (informal are usually called international regimes). They are important in that they help with global governance by setting rules and procedures for how to deal with broken rules. The five types of international institutions are global security, economic, international legal, policy area, and regional.
According to Jentleson, what are the four P's? How does each define the national interest? What international relations theory goes with each P?
International relations theory goes with each P's Power, Peace, Prosperity, Principles. Power is the baseline for many foreign policies. It's all about self-defense and protecting a territory. The realist school of international relations emphasizes the object of power. Power is what maintains a strong defense system. All four national interests ultimately are about obtaining peace. International institutions share the importance of peace and states that there are two types of foreign policy stages. Internationalist see cooperation's as held responsible between states and stress, the main importance is to sustained cooperation. The goal of Prosperity gives high priority to the economic national interest. One thing to realize is how much this will economically benefit the nation. Also, it sees American foreign policy as dominant by serving interests of capitalism. The last goal Principles is was the US stands by which are values, ideas, and beliefs. Democratic Idealism emphasizes it rooted from American history and holds two meanings for foreign policy the right and the might.
How does knowing about the bureaucracies help us to better understand how American foreign policy is going to be made? What factors make one bureaucracy's view more likely to be heard than anothers?
It helps us understand that foreign policy is made by interactions between departments, such as negotiating and bargaining. With knowing the bureaucracies, you know what their stance is on foreign policy because you know what the department's goals are. One factor that lead to bureaucracy's views being heard more than others include their influence over the president, by that I mean who the president trusts the most ( family, old friends, a credible source, ect.). Another factor that plays a part in who's voice is heard is the credibility of the bureaucracy, if a certain department has been successful with foreign policy, the president may be more willing to listen to them since they were right in the past. Another factor is the specialty of the department. If a foreign policy problem involves the military, the President will be more willing to listen to the defense department than the agricultural department. Lastly, personality characteristics play a role in who has a good relationship with the president and who gets heard the most
What is pre-emption?
It is an approach that different from deterrence or containment. It advocates to act (especially use military force) anticipatorily (or before the attack on us actually happens) against imminent threats, usually those terrorist networks and unbalanced dictators with WMDs.
Why is it important to study the role of the Courts in FP? How Do Courts affect foreign policy?
It is important to study the role of the courts in FP because they are ultimate adjudicator and their decisions can affect FP issue. The can affect foreign policy indirectly by declaring laws constitutional or unconstitutional. By doing this, they set a precedent on FP and declare what's allowed when dealing with foreign policy issues.
What lessons were learned from the first Gulf War? What are the limits of the first Gulf War's significance according to Jentleson?
Lessons Aggression was still a fact of international life American Foreign policy objectives are more likely to be completed by going through the UN American military power was unmatched, especially in air superiority The Powell Doctrine: military attacks should be performed with lots of force in a short time period Limits Conflicts in the 90s began demand for use of military force for peacekeeping rather than one army vs another. Gulf war was only exception Though holding military forces back from Iraq was good at the time leaving Saddam in power led other issues to later arise UN coalition didn't stand by their resolve to hold economic sanctions and keep WMD inspectors in the country. US helped equip Iraq militarily to help them invade Iran. Giving Iraq ability to produce WMD which is the reason the US later invaded that country
What are the different strategies and techniques that interest groups use to influence foreign policy? What are possible concerns with interest group influence over foreign policy? What is the Military Industrial Complex? Why is it significant? How dominant are interest groups?
One of the strategies interest groups use to impact policies is the hiring of lobbyists to influence legislation and convince members of Congress to co-sponsor bills that adhere to the interest group goals. Another strategy interest groups use is targeting the advisory committees and departments involved in the executive branch. They continue their involvement in the executive branch by trying to influence who gets appointed to foreign policy positions within the branch. Interest groups also attempt to influence elections by the creating of political action committees that help provide funding for a particular candidate. They also have a role in protests and demonstrations that help show government officials that public opinion supports their issues. Lastly they also play direct roles in foreign policy by providing humanitarian assistance, monitoring human rights, supervising elections, and helping with economic development. • The concerns of interest group influence is firstly attributed to the effect it could have on national morale. The public will not approve of the government catering to individual groups instead of the good of the nation as a whole. Secondly, these vested interest prove difficult in making essential changes. This is dangerous to foreign policy because of the many threats and challenges that face the United States everyday. Lastly, many of these issues can be driven by passion and emotion. This often leads to clouded judgment and lack of practicality.
What are the informal powers of the President? Briefly describe each one. How do these powers help give the President more control over America's foreign policy?
Over time, the President has garnered more authority in foreign policy making that are not outlined in the Constitution. The main one is the Power to Persuade, which plays largely with public opinion. This focuses on the Pres' professional reputation and credibility; their public prestige, and their individual qualities as a person. A strong public image gives the president leverage against congress who cannot garner the same public support. The president can also set an agenda due to the fact that the majority pays attention to the president and not individual representatives. Another informal powers is the president's ability to set the size of the executive bureaucracy. The president can create groups, like the department of homeland security. With this power, the president has a lot of information coming their way. Congress has ways to equalize the distribution of information to the public, but only at a domestic level. The president also has policy making ability without the approval of congress
What are Jentleson's two points about the international system? Why is each one important to understanding the international system and American foreign policy?
Quasi Anarchy is important because it shows that there is an absence of a central governing authority in the international system. System structure is important because it is the distribution of power between the major countries in the international system. State structural position is important because whatever the country has, it affects how they plan their foreign policy.
What is Responsibility to Protect and its core doctrines? What are the conditions for justifying intervention according to this perspective?
R2P is an emerging norm stressing that individuals must be protected from mass killings and other gross violations of their rights within state, the corresponding limits to claims of sovereignty by offending states, and the legitimacy of certain types of international intervention. • If the state does not live up to that responsibility, then coercive intervention for human protection purposes, including ultimately military intervention, by others in the international community may be warranted in extreme cases.
What is realism? How does it characterize relations between states? How can power be exerted? What are different types of power based foreign policies?
Realism is a theory of foreign policy. Realism states that states pursue their own interests through the pursuit of power, as states need to accumulate power to ensure their security. Therefore, the state is seeking not peace; rather, it seeks relative gains, the outcome most beneficial to the state's interests. Realists believe that political and military power are the most important ways power can be exerted. However, realists understand economic power is important for the maintenance of military power. Different types of power-based foreign policy include deterrence, military interventions, preemptive and preventative war, alliances, coercive diplomacy, economic sanctions, and covert action.
Briefly describe the reasons that the US should be concerned with global public health. What are some challenges that the US faces in terms of addressing global public health problems?
Reasons: Humanitarian reasons, prosperity and the importance of global public health to fight against poverty, national security and consideration of peace and war • Challenges: the challenge of preventing and treating global HIV/AIDS, the challenge of global pandemics and the disease of mass destruction (DMD)
What are some problems with this argument? Briefly describe each one.
Some problems with this argument is that the rally effect is short and the public's opinion will drop back down to what it was before the conflict and sometimes even lower than before. Another problem is that wars can be very costly, meaning that the economy could suffer from going to war, causing the people to be disappointed in the President once again. Another problem is the fact that there is not systematic evidence and that there is a lot of conflict that goes on in the world that didn't begin as a domestic problem. Lastly, people argue that it is morally wrong for a leader to use force for personal gain.
What are the three key points of political realism? What is the difference between political realism and a theory of realism?
States are the key actors, states could seek power, and states are rational. Political realism is how states should act. Theory of realism is why the states act how they do
What is the difference between substantive and procedural legislation?
Substantive legislation - is policy specific, spelling out what the details of foreign policy should or should not be. Procedural legislation - is a bit subtler and requires more elaboration. It deals with the "structures and procedures by which foreign policy is made. The underlying premise is that if Congress changes the decision-making process it will change the policy".
Why is substantial legislation not used very much? Discuss all the reasons
Substantive legislation is not used very much because it would give them little benefit to pass a law, especially if it didn't work as they hoped, then they would be the ones being blamed for the foreign policy issue. They also have more important goals than to waste time trying to pass a substantive legislation
How do Presidents use the Executive Power in foreign policy making? Why?
The Constitution defines the executive power given to the President as "the power to ensure the laws be faithfully executed" (Pg 38 Jentleson) Presidents use the Executive Power in foreign policy making by making executive agreements, executive orders, through directives directed to executive-branch actions that do not require legislative approval, or even by veto. The veto is the most potent and powerful executive power that the President is granted. This is the ability of the President to block legislation unless congress can pass it an additional time by a 2/3 majority. Presidents sometimes use their executive power to simply fill in the blanks of legislation when passed by congress. Other times, presidents use a veto to block legislation that they believe will harm or hinder our nation or for other reasons where they see clearer alternatives.
Why is the Constitution important for understanding American foreign policy? (Discuss all the reasons) What are examples of areas where the President and the Congress' powers overlap?
The Constitution is important for understanding American foreign policy because it sets rules for our government and makes sure that no one branch has complete power over things such as foreign policy. Also, the interpretation of the Constitution by our judicial branch is very important for understanding American foreign policy because their interpretation of the Constitution sets laws and limits on policies that deal with foreign policy. What this means is that if their interpretation of the Constitution goes against a law Congress passed on foreign policy, they have the power to say it's unconstitutional and completely change the foreign policy. Lastly, the Constitution is important for understanding American foreign policy because of the way it sets up the various branches. Since each branch checks the others, there is a constant struggle for power over American foreign policy. An example of areas where the President and the Congress' powers overlap is when going to war. Technically, the President does not have the right to declare war without Congress' permission. However, the President can make war by sending troops to battle without fully declaring war. He can do this because he is the commander-in-chief, however Congress has the power of the purse, which means they can de-fund the military if they see fit, creating tension between the two branches
What is the political question doctrine? Ripeness? Mootness? How is each used to justify not ruling on a dispute over foreign policy powers?
The PQD states that we are split into parties and that we are not equal, we have the political question doctrine because it has no authority, solution involves politics and will always favor one party over the other, and they don't want to seem biased. Ripeness means that unless there is a direct dispute, there is no need for the court to rule. Mootness means that whatever was in conflict is now over, which means that by the time it reaches the court, its dead so there's no point in ruling.
How is the State Department organized? What is USAID and its mission? Why does State have less of a policy making role than other bureaucracies? What is the NSC system? NSC staff? How is it organized? Why is it effective in overcoming some bureaucratic problems in policy making? How is the DOD organized? What did the Goldwater Nichols Act of 1986 do? Why was it needed? Why is it significant?
The State Department, from the top down: 1. The Office of the Secretary; 2. Undersecretaries; 3. Bureaus headed by the Assistant Secretary of State. The State Department has less of a policy making role because over time they have gotten equal footing with other agencies. This happened due to: 1. Funding; 2. Unwieldy Bureaucracy; 3. Size; 4. Culture - doesn't promote the new policies that would change the status quo with countries. USAID stands for the the United States Agency of International Development and their goal is to administer individual aid. The National Security System consists of: 1. President; 2. VP; 3. Secretary of State; 4. Secretary of Defense; 5. Director of Central Intelligence; 6. The Joint Chiefs of Staff. The NSC staff consists of: 1. National Security Adviser; 2. Deputy Sec. Ad.; 3. Regional Advisers and the staff comes on loan from current bureaucracies. The President can reorganize the council staff as they feel. It is effective in overcoming some problems because the NSC is more flexible in meeting, housed next to the White House, whereas the State Dept has sole-reliance on their bureaucratic biases. The Department of Defense is organized: 1. Secretary and Undersecretary of Defense, in the Office of the Secretary; 2. The Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force (Training); 3. Unified Commanders (Combat planning); 4. Joint Chiefs of Staff (Policy making). The Goldwater-Nichols Act (1986) was a reform for the American Military. It addressed the problems by reworking the command structure of of the US military. Felt the JCS weren't producing useful information and that there was no inter-service cooperation. It aimed to elevate the power of the Chairman over other combat commanders. It also altered the structure of the command of the military: Pres to Sec of Defense to Unified Commanders. Service chiefs are important in training, but use goes to the combat commanders.
How often does the American use of force stem from a declaration of war? When has it?
The U.S. has used military force in some form at least 200 times in history, but only five times has this force been through an official declaration of war. These wars were the War of 1812, the Mexican War, Spanish-American War, World War I, and World War II.
What Court cases expanded the President's powers? What is each case about? How did each expand the President's powers? Which is the most important case in terms of expanding the President's powers?
The court cases that expanded the President's powers were Missouri v Holland, US v Curtiss Wright, US v Belmont/US v Pink, and INS v Chadha. Missouri v Holland was a case over the federal control on birds given to them through a treaty with the UK. Missouri sued the congressional action stating that wildlife is a state issue, not a federal issue. The Supreme Court ruled for the federal case stating that once a treaty is already made and established, it is a federal power. This strengthened the president's power by giving him the power to make federal decisions through treaties, and since he is the sole negotiator over treaties, a treaty will never decrease the president's power, only strengthen it. US v Curtiss was a case over the war in South America and the selling of arms. Congress passed a joint resolution giving the President the power to prohibit the selling of arms. FDR stated that it was illegal to sell arms to SA but Wright did. He argued that the Congress can not give President new rights not stated in the Constitution but the Supreme Court ruled that the President is the head of foreign affairs and that it is an implied right. This gave the president more power because it distinguished internal and external affairs, and named the President as the sole head of USFP and that he has FP powers beyond the Constitution. This case was the most important in terms of expanding the president's powers.
What are the different public moods? Briefly describe each one and how it affects government policy?
The different public moods have been the Cold War Mood, or the cold war consensus, which lead to a high trust in government since we were in fear of being attacked and we knew the government would protect us. Next was the Vietnam Syndrome, which led to an extremely low trust in government with the Vietnam war, Watergate, as well as the press starting to leak secrets and scandals about the people in government. Another public mood is the self-interest mood, which was when we started to view the world as very dangerous. It led to a stronger US and the want for government because of self-interest and safety. Another mood is the pragmatic internationalism, which took us away from the threat and led us to see opportunity and made us want to prosper. Lastly, the anti-terror mood is the most recent public mood in which we again developed a high trust in government for their procedures abroad.
What is the distribution of capabilities? What are the different types? How do the different distribution of capabilities affect foreign policy?
The distribution of capabilities influences the behavior of powers and what type of system you are in. Unipolarity means that there is only one major power acting on the structure. There is also Bipolarity, which means there are two major powers, and Multipolarity, which means there are multiple strong powers acting in the world. Multipolarity allows for fluid alliances, but there are no strong ties. Bipolarity is best exemplified in the Cold War and forces other nations to take sides, which in turn splits the world in two. Unipolarity is bets explained by the US's power today in the world. Having a Unipolarity system forces people to either join the dominant state or fear the dominant state and feel as though it should be balanced with another power.
What is diversionary theory? What are the assumptions behind diversionary theory?
The diversionary theory is a toll that the president will use to draw attention away from internal, domestic issues and focus the public's opinion on an international crisis, such as war. The assumptions behind the diversionary theory is that the President wants to stay in power, the president needs electoral support to stay in power, and that foreign policy actions can increase a leader's popularity.
What are internal limits to Congressional influences on American foreign policy?
The get no electoral benefit from taking action because it will look as though they are going against the President, which will not make the people happy and they will not reelect the member of Congress. Also they are out of the loop when it comes to defense and war because it is too fast paced for Congress to deal with. They must take a back seat and let the president take control; otherwise we will look weak to other countries if we are fighting
What are the goals of framing opinion? Why is it an important way for the Congress to influence foreign policy?
The goals of framing opinion are to change the public opinion, pressure the executive, and to pressure other countries. It is an important way for the Congress to influence foreign policy because it is the easiest and fastest way for them to get their opinions across without having to pass a law
What is the difference between the mass public and the elite? What is the rally around the flag effect? What is the sensible public view? What are two key points for this view according to Jentleson?
The mass public are generally ignorant in foreign affairs, while elites are better-informed, more thoughtful and more sophisticated. • What is the rally around the flag effect? • It describes that the mass public are very sensitive and usually blindly following the leaders. If the president uses "the threat to our nation" as a tool, he can easily build consensus and national solidarity, and thus boost his own popularity. • What is the sensible public view? • Different from the argument that "public is ignorant", this view argues that the mass public is very sensible about foreign policy. • What are two key points for this view according to Jentleson? (p78) • (1)Public opinion has been quite stable over time. For example, from the end of WWII to the end of Cold War, the basic public opinion has been inclined to internationalism. • (2)even public views on foreign policy changes overtime, it is because of rational concerns rather than moodiness.
What are the origins of American political culture? Briefly describe each one.
The origins of Am. Pol. Cult are derived from the: 1. Founding - Central reason why people left Europe was for liberty and greater material wealth from outputs; 2. Frontier Mentality - land to be had in the US, created competition between groups; 3. Protestantism - leaders in the church had a responsibility to their community; 4. Lockian Values - Greater role in thinking and decision making
What factors help a President to persuade?
The short answer is their pull in the sphere of public opinion. This is based upon their: 1. Professional reputation and credibility; 2. Public prestige; 3. The president's individual qualities.
What are the main elements(assumptions) of a theory of realism? Why is the structure of the international system important? What characterizes the structure of the international system (there should be 4 characteristics)?
The three main elements/assumptions of realism are again: 1. States are the key actors; 2. States seek power; 3. States are rational. The structure of the international system is important because it adheres to the three main elements of realism. The structure of the international system is that it is an anarchy. 1. There is no central government; 2. It is a self-help system; 3. States do what is necessary to survive; 4. No accepted morals
What are the different views on the public's views on foreign policy? How does each characterize the public's knowledge and understanding of foreign policy?
The view of the public's view on foreign policy is either uninformed and foolish or it is structured and stable. People who think the public is uninformed and foolish suggests that the public only pays attention to what is happening in the US and on local politics that they don't know many of the other world leaders or our relationships with them. They also state that they change their opinion of other countries fairly rapidly because they pay attention to what is majorly happening. For the people who state that the public's view on foreign policy is structured and stable suggest that they lack specific information so they generalize and side with their party and trust whatever they say.
How do bureaucracies shape the goals of individuals who work in those bureaucracies? What does "where you stand depends on where you sit" mean?
They shape the goals of individuals by which department they are in, the mission of that department, and by promoting the interests of the department. It means that what you support, stands for which department you would fit in best, or should be in
What is unilateralism? Multilateralism? How do they lead to different foreign policies? Briefly describe the six main points for a strategy of unilateralism. Briefly describe the six main points for a strategy of multilateralism.
Unilateralism is an approach to foreign policy that emphasizes the actions a nation takes largely on its own. • Multilateralism emphasizes acting with other nations through process that are more consultative and consensual, as structured by international institutions, alliances, and coalitions. • How do they lead to different foreign policies? • We can use the examples of the Bush administration to illustrate FP directed by unilateralism. For example, President Bush raised the "preemptive" war against Iraq and the Hussein Regime in 2003 without the authorization of the UN Security Council and regardless of international opposition (including many western allies such as Germany and France). • As for President Clinton and Obama, they both emphasizes international cooperation based on multilateralism, and emphasize in their foreign policy and national security strategy that as a leader, the U.S. should engage with other countries more and exert its influence and capabilities in international organizations (global governance). • Briefly describe the six main points for a strategy of unilateralism. • Unipolarity: the world is the sole surviving superpower • Power: power is the most important component of the national interests • Benevolent Hegemony: the US is deemed a benign superpower committed to using its power to preserve peace and promote democratic values • National, not Global, Interests: undermine global interests, "humanitarian interests" and the "international community". • Inefficacy of Multilateralism: adopting multilateralism will deprive the freedom of action from the US. Moreover, multilateralism doesn't work very well: it is hard to coordinate diverse interests of so many countries, and in order to make an agreement with the others as a whole, the US has to sacrifice its values and principles in some extent. • Conservative Domestic Politics: (1) US should not give up some sovereignty to international laws and courts (the example of International Criminal Court); (2) US domestic politics, especially the Republican, advocates for American exceptionalism tradition • Briefly describe the six main points for a strategy of multilateralism. • - International Institutionalism: the building of a system of international institutions, organizations, and regimes that provide the basis for cooperation among states to resolve tensions, settle dispute, work together in mutually beneficial ways, and to avoid war. • - Power-Influence Conversion: in a world that lack of shared and overarching threat, the currency of military power is less convertible to other forms of power and influence. At the same time, other new forms of power(such as soft power, which includes state reputation, culture and economics), may have much more influence. • - Not-So-Benign Hegemony: only the Western European and other American allies view themselves benefit from the U.S., other Third World countries don't see the U.S. as a benevolent hegemon. • -National and Global Interests: national and global interests are much more interconnected than unilateralists claim. Many US problems are parts of global problems, and global policies are needed for global problems. • - Correct, not Reject: although the UN and other multilateral institutions have problems, we should correct rather than reject them. • -Liberal Domestic politics
What is the Constitutionally proscribed roles of the President and Congress in war powers, treaties, appointments, trade, and general powers?
War powers: president-commander in chief of armed forces; Congress- provide for the common defense; declare war Treaties: P- Negotiate treaties; C- ratification of treaties, by 2/3 majority (Senate) Appointments: P- Nominate high- level gov officials; C- confirm president's appointments (Senate) Trade: P- no explicit power, but treaty negotiation and appointment powers pertain; C- explicit power to "regulate foreign commerce" General: P- no executive power; veto; C- Legislative power; power of the purse; oversight and investigation
What is the Powell Doctrine?
When military force is to be used, it should be used overwhelmingly and decisively.
What Court cases limited the President's powers? What is each case about? How did each limit the President's powers?
Youngstown v Sawyer was a case about a steal mill In which the supreme court ruled against the president's attempt to have government take over the mill, limiting the domestic expansion of presidential foreign policy powers. NY Times v US was a case about leaked pentagon papers being published in the NY Times where the President argued that it was bad for national security while NY Times argued it was their right with the first amendment. The Supreme Court ruled against the President stating that even thought he is head of foreign policy issues that does not give him the right to prohibit someone's rights. The same effect happened in the US v Nixon case where Nixon refused to give over the tapes saying that it would be bad for national security, but the court ruled against him saying that he couldn't use that as an excuse.
In what ways does public opinion influence foreign policy?
shaping political culture and ideology • - anticipatory parameter setting • - centripetal pull • -impact on Congress • -Effect on diplomatic negotiations • - influence Presidential Election (1980 election, Carter's failure in rescuing American hostages in Iran contributed to his failure of reelection)
In Youngstown v Sawyer, how did a concurring opinion try to delineate the President's foreign policy powers?
the concurring opinion was that presidential powers vary based on Congress' authorization. It limited domestic expansion of president's foreign policy powers.
Briefly describe the three emerging aspects of the 21st century world according to Jentleson
• (1) Post-polar system structure: the international system in the current era is a multipolar structural system (many emerging powers; nonstate actors). • (2)"Three Ds" Threats: dominance(countries seek dominance usually lead to tension and conflict), disruption 9transnational forces that have major disruptive effects); and multiple mass destruction threats (weapons, diseases, environmental, and identities) • (3)Inside-Out Politics and the "Vegas Dilemma": the increased susceptibility of international stability to threats and other disruption that emanated outward from individual states.
Why are Chemical and Biological weapons scarier than nuclear weapons according to Jentleson? What is the CWC? How does it lessen the threat from chemical weapons? Why is it more far reaching than the NPT?What is the OPCW? What factors impede its use?
• (1)they are less expensive to produce compare to nuclear weapons; (2)the level of technology and military capability required for their use is much less sophisticated, so they are more accessible to terrorists. • CWC: is the Chemical Weapons Convention which tries to totally eliminate chemical weapons. • How does it lessen the threat from chemical weapons? • The CWC bans the development, production, acquisition, stockpiling, trade, and use of chemical weapons. • Why is it more far reaching than the NPT? What is the OPCW? What factors impede its use? • It is farther reaching compare to the NPT in three respects: (1) it applies to all states, no exceptions; (2)ithas tougher and more intrusive enforcement provisions; (3) states that do not join the treaty face automatic trade sanctions. • OPCW is the CWC version of the IAEA, but it has greater authority. • Factors impede the use of CWC is that the inspections provisions can be hardly carried on in practice, and there are a number of countries still are suspected of retaining undeclared chemical weapons stockpiles.
Briefly describe the three issues that define the debate over missile defense
• - Technological effectiveness: tests over the years show that although recent developments of technology have widen the range of missile defense systems and improved the effectiveness, but they are still well short of full certainty. • - Cost: with pressures for overall defense budget cuts, how much is enough for an effective missile defense system? • - Strategic effectiveness: will it contribute to security?
Briefly describe the the three unique strengths of the UN according to Jentleson.
• -near-global membership; • -the UN Security Council holds the international community's ultimate "seals of approval and disapproval". • - The scope of UN programs is very broad and it covers the full global agenda, including peace, economic development, the environment, human rights, and public health
What is preventive diplomacy? What are some examples of preventive diplomacy? What is ripeness in relation to understanding conflict? What is the importance of this concept?
• Act early to prevent disputes from escalating or problems from worsen. • Examples: • Economic development to solve poverty, which may lead to violent conflict; • Environmental preservation: preserve important natural resource and sustainable provision of resources for a long term to avoid violent conflict for resources in the future • What is ripeness in relation to understanding conflict? What is the importance of this concept? • The central idea of "Ripeness" is that at certain points in the life cycle of conflicts, they are more conducive to possible resolution than at others. When a situation is not" ripe", as determined in large part by the extent to which the parties to the conflict are disposed even to consider an agreement seriously, international strategies have much less chance of succeeding. • It is important because it is helpful in counseling prudent assessments of when and where to engage so as not to overestimate the chance of success.
Briefly describe the benefits of free trade according to free trade theory. Briefly describe the arguments that challenge free trade theory.
• Benefits: the aggregate benefits from the competition and specialization that free trade encourages are grater than the costs imposed on those who lose jobs and businesses to import competition. Trade leads to better resource allocation, higher productivity and greater wealth. • Arguments: particularistic costs vs diffuse benefits, limited capacity of free markets to facilitate economic adjustment, environmental issues, labor standards and other broader social agenda issues, fair trade argument
Briefly describe the indicators demonstrating China's emergence as a global power.
• Economic: China has become the world's second largest economy in 2011. It has maintained high average annual economic growth rates for a decade. It has become the world's largest trading nation in 2013. • Diplomatic: China has been active on many diplomatic fronts, developing its relations with Russia, India, EU and countries in Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and East Asia. • Military: China has the world's third largest military spending, only behind US and Russia. It has been modernizing its forces and developing advanced technology. It has also strengthened its regional military presence. • Size: China has the world's largest population of 1.34 billion and it is the fourth largest in territory with 3.7 million square meters.
Briefly describe the six key objectives of democracy promotion strategies.
• Facilitating free and fair elections, building strong and accountable political institutions, establishing free press, strengthening the rule of law, protecting human rights, cultivating civil society
What is globalization? Briefly describe the Dynamics of globalization. Briefly describe the Dimensions of Globalization.
• Globalization: increasing interconnectedness of the world across state boundaries; the interconnectedness affects government, business, communities, and people in a wide range of policy areas. • Dynamics: wider- the interconnectedness includes countires and people in all corners of the globe. Deeper- the networks of interaction are thicker, going beyond trade and linking society and their peoples in more complex ways. Faster- the speed of the interactions is remarkable due to telecommunication and information technology • Dimensions: economic; international finance; telecommunication and information technology; social cultural
What is global governance? Briefly describe the challenges of global governance.
• Governance: it is not global government. It refers to the framework of rules, institutions and established practices that set limits and give incentives for the behavior of individuals, organizations and firms. It takes place not only in the field of governmental action but in collective activities among multinational organizations
What are the areas of debate surrounding US foreign aid?
• How much should we provide? To whom? What form should aid take? Through what channels? How effective is it?
What is the IAEA? What is the NPT? What are the obligations of states who are members of the NPT? What are the CTBT and PSI?
• IAEA: the International Atomic Energy Agency is an international organization to ensure that, as nations develop nuclear energy, it would be used only for peaceful purpose. • NPT: the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty is a treaty allows the five states that already had nuclear weapons to keep them. These states pledged to reduce their nuclear arsenals through arms-control agreements. All other states were prohibited from acquiring or developing nuclear weapons. • CTBT: Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty is a treaty building on prior limited bans that now seeks to ban all tests of nuclear weapons. • PSI: Proliferation Security Initiative is a global coalition initiated by the G.W. Bush administration aimed at stopping trafficking of WMD, missiles, and other delivery systems, and related materials to and from states and nonstate actors of concern.
What is the ICC? Briefly describe all the arguments in favor and against the ICC.
• ICC is the international Criminal Court. The ICC struck the chords of anti-multilateralism and leeriness about international law in American politics, thus the U.S. Senate is unlikely to ratify it. • Favor of ICC: • The ICC is the "missing link" in the international justice system to help achieve "justice for all", and especially deal with perpetrators of genocide, war crimes, and other crimes against humanity. • The ICC can help strengthen peace processes and promote conflict resolution • The existence of the ICC will deter future war criminals and other aggressors. • Against ICC: • - the U.S. Constitution prohibits the US government from consenting to judicial proceedings against American citizens by any courts other than American ones. • - The U.S. soldiers and diplomats ,NGO workers, and other may be subjected to political motivated charges and prosecutions. • - How strong a deterrent effect can the ICC have since its time-consuming prosecution procedure.
Briefly describe the current approach to addressing North Korea's nuclear weapons program.
• In the early 1992, it was feared that North Korea was seeking to develop nuclear weapons, despite having signed the NPT, and would sell it to others rogue states. • The response of the Clinton administration emphasized negotiations but also threatened a military action. The outcome was the Agreed Framework of 1994. • A second round of negotiations the "6 party talk" was initiated in 2002 when it became clear that North Korea did not respect the Framework. • Then tougher diplomacy was used beginning in 2006 with strong condemnations for USA, China and the UN and targeted economic sanctions. The sanction got harder with other provocation from North Korea in 2009. • It does not look that any real progress would be made without a shift in Northern Korean domestic politics.
What is the 1972 Biological Weapons Treaty? What are its weaknesses? Why is it hard to negotiate verification of the treaty?
• It is a treaty purported to ban biological and toxin weapons totally. • Weakness: (1) less coverage of states (171 signed; 155 ratified); (2) weaker monitoring, verification and enforcement provisions and mechanisms. • It is hard to negotiate verification because it is hard to distinguish pharmaceutical or bioagricultural research from development of biological weapons.
What is NAFTA?
• North American Free Trade Agreement. It is an agreement signed by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, creating trilateral rules-based trade bloc in North America was originally signed by President George H W Bush and came into force on Jan 1st 1994.
Briefly describe the debate about whether to intervene in the case of genocide/mass atrocities.
• Opponents of intervention claim that it would infringe on America's own sovereignty and bind American foreign policy to commitments that the US might not want to make. However, from the perspective of power and peace, the global level failure to defend basic values and confront genocide and other crimes against humanity undermine the sense and structure of international community. The conflicts will also spread to other areas. For US, power depends on credibility. Weak action and inaction in the face of humanitarian undermines American credibility. Besides, it also undermines US economic interests
What is the difference between peacekeeping and peace-enforcement? Why is the latter harder than the former?
• Peacekeeping is the UN forces were brought in after the parties had agreed to the terms of peace, and with the consent of those parties, to ensure and facilitate the keeping of that peace. • Peace-enforcing is when the conflicts were still raging or under tenuous cease-fires, the UN forces were brought in to impose and enforce peace. It is much more difficult since the parties of local disputes and conflicts have not reached any agreement, they may hold actions, gambits or even outright deceptions. Thus the UN's existing limited rules of engagement and traditional stratagems of impartiality and limited mission may be not sufficient to force those local parties to follow the rules it makes and enforce peace.
What are the tensions and sources of these tensions for the US-Japanese relationship?
• Sources of tension come from: historical contexts of US involvement in Japan's constitution, role it played on Japan during WWII, the competition that the two nations have felt economically over the last few decades, and the relationship the two countries have had from the alliance during the Cold War. • Tensions can be categorized 3 ways: economic, Japanese and American domineering its relationship, Post Cold War military role in Japan. • 1. Economic tension centered on trade between two nations. Japan and US 2 largest economies till recently. Not hostile when it comes to economics but it can cause conflict, two are connected and rely on each other for their economic future • 2. Japanese citizens uneasy about still having US military bases in Japan mainly Okinawa. • 3. US maintained grip over what kind of military Japan can have. Particularly with assisting in peace constitution.
Briefly describe the seven issues in US- China relations.
• Taiwan: US have adopted "One China" policy which denies Taiwan as an independent state and maintained its commitment to defend Taiwan if China attacks. It has been a difficult balance to strike given recurring crises along the way. • The Chinese military: US have concerns over China's increasing military spending, its modernization of military forces and its development of new capacities, while China defends its increasing spending as catching up for past weakness and a necessity for its own legitimate national defense. • East Asian-pacific regional security: While US military presence played a key role in the security of East Asian-Pacific Region and protected Japan, the Philippines, South Korea and other states, the rise of China has raised issues for the balance of power in East Asian-Pacific Region. Japan-China relations are one area of concern. Regional disputes over territorial claim in the South China Sea raise another concern. • North Korea: China and US were on opposing sides in the Korean War; China still maintains close relationship with North Korea; but both countries have been involved with the nuclear proliferation threat posed by North Korea recently. • R2P and Intervention-Sovereignty: China always opposes the international intervention in states to prevent mass atrocities based on the norm of the "responsibility to protect (R2P)" and defend state sovereignty. • Economic relations: There is huge trade imbalance between US and China. One contentious issue is that the undervaluation of Chinese currency. The other issue is about the growing industry of renewable energy technologies. • Democratization, human rights and Chinese political stability: China has remained a communist country, will we ever be able to change that? Will they improve their humanitarian issues? Work conditions, one child policy? growing corruption is their system?
What is the argument for expanding the number of permanent UNSC members?What is the US position to expanding the UN security council?
• The current structure of the UNSC reflects the global balance of power at the end of WWII, and it seems outdated. • What is the US position to expanding the UN security council? • The official US position has been "that the long-term legitimacy and viability of the UNSC depends on its reflecting the world of the 21st century", but it has not been more specific. Obama is in favor of a permanent seat for India, but not for Brazil and others.
What is the democratic peace theory? Briefly describe the three components of the basic argument of the democratic peace. Briefly describe the critiques and caveats of the democratic peace theory.
• Theory: democracies do not fight wars against democracies • Three components: 1) the constraints imposed by democratic political systems: democracies are more cautious in fighting a war as consent of the citizens is required before commencing a war. 2) The internationalization of democratic norms: democracies practice compromise and consensus building and tend to manage conflicts and tension within society in lawful and peaceful ways. 3) the bond built by trade: as trade develops, countries have more to lose from fighting wars.
Briefly describe the policy challenges posed by global environmental problems. Briefly describe some examples of global environmental issues.
• They constitute a classic problem of public good and collective action, the balance between environmental and economic priorities, Issues of North-South equality, the problem of enforcement, environmental as peace and security issue, the dilemma of prevention and the trade off between immediate costs and benefits
Briefly describe the "too high" and "not enough" interpretations of defense spending. What is the logic of each one?
• Whether it is too high or not enough based on different interpretation of statistics. For the "too high" side, people review the defense spending overtime (twice the budget of the early Reagan years) and compare US military spending with other major powers (40% of world military spending). • For the "not enough" side, people make comparison to the previous cases with correction of inflation, and argue the current military spending is only about 10% higher compare to 1980s and 1960s. They also argue that the current military spending comprises less proportion of the total federal budget and the GDP compare to previous military spending.
What is the WTO? What is the G7 and G20?
• World Trade Organization: It is the only global international organization dealing with the rules of trade between nations. At its heart are the WTO agreements, negotiated and signed by the bulk of the worlds trading nations and ratified in their parliaments. The goal is to help producers of goods and services, exporters, and importers conduct their business. The bulk of the WTO's current work comes from the 1986-94 negotiations called the Uruguay Round and earlier negotiations under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). The WTO is currently the host to negotiations, under 'Doha Development Agenda' launched in 2001. The G7 is a group of 7 countries (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, U.K. and the USA). They are finance minsters of developed nations that are the wealthiest in the world by net worth. The G20 is is an informal group of 19 nations and the EU with reps. from the IMF and the World Bank. The group began meeting in 1999 by the suggestion of the G7 and they meet every fall to discuss economic problems and possible solutions
What are ASEAN and APEC?
•ASEAN or Association of Southeast Asain Nations was established to promote economic cooperation among its members (Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand). The US provided the region's security because most of the countries were US allies. Today ASEAN includes Brunei, Indonesia, Myanmar (Burma), Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. More recently it has sought to tackle issues such as maritime security and nonproliferation. • APEC or Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation was created to focus exclusively on economic matters. APEC was created with members from North America- US, Canada and Mexico, South America-Chile and Peru, and Asia. It focuses on liberalization of trade barriers, business facilitation, and regional economic cooperation.