Analyzing the Syrian Crisis Through Multiple Levels of Analysis

ASH POL 255 Week 1 Assignment Theory, Arms Races, and the
Prisoner’s Dilemma (2 Sets)
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Theory, Arms Races, and the Prisoner’s Dilemma. Due by Day 7.
Purpose: The primary goal of this weekly summative assignment is to explore some of the most important concepts and paradigms used in the study of international
relations (IR). In this first week of class, you will utilize major IR theories along with the Prisoner’s Dilemma paradigm to analyze one of the most long-standing and
perplexing international issues, an arms race.
Prepare: Review the Introduction and Chapter 1 of the course text. In addition, read the assigned article, China's Double-Digit Defense Growth: What It Means for a
Peaceful Rise.
Reflect: The study of international relations often involves trying to describe, explain, and predictglobal interactions using various theoretical perspectives. Importantly,
our ability to describe, explain, and predict accurately how states react to military competition, often described as arms races,is critical for expanding our understanding
of global politics. Consequently, the ability not only to analyze arms races between states using established theories of int ernational relations but also to explain these
interactions using the Prisoner’s Dilemma paradigm are critical skills that all political scientists must have in order to become proficient in their chosen field of study.
Write: In your assignment, complete the following:
· Discuss how the article illustrates a prisoner’s dilemma.
· Describe the realist, liberal, and identity perspectives reflected in the article.
· Explain the best course of action for the U.S., using the Prisoner’s Dilemma paradigm as a guide.
The Week One Assignment:
o Must be at least two pages (not including title and reference pages) and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
o Must include a separate title page with the following:
o Titleofpaper
o Student’sname
o Course name and number o Instructor’sname
o Datesubmitted
• Must use at least three appropriate sources:
o Thesecouldincludethearticle,thecoursetext,andanyoftherequiredorrecommended
resources for this week.
o You can also include additional resources found on the Ashford University Library website. The
Scholarly, Peer Reviewed, and Other Credible Sources table offers additional guidance on

appropriate source types.
· Must document all sources in APA style as outlined in the In-Text Citation Guide.
· Must include an introductory paragraph with a succinct thesis statement.
· Must include a conclusion that summarizes the main points and restates the thesis.
• Must include a separate references page that is formatted according to APA style as outlined in the APA References List

ASH POL 255 Week 1 Discussion IR Theories Strengths and
Weaknesses
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IR Theories: Strengths and Weaknesses. 1st Post Due by Day 3.
Prepare: Read the Introduction and Chapter 1 of the course text.
Reflect: Perspectives have been described as “a statement or a hypothesis that explains the primary cause of what is happening—for example a struggle for power causes
conflict and sometimes war” (Nau, 2017, p.4). Our ability to describe, explain, and predict international relations (IR) are valuable skills that enable political scientists to
influence and affect international politics and global leaders. One of the most important tools that international relations experts routinely utilize are theoretical
perspectives. Specifically, most IR specialists are experts at using realism, liberalism, and identity perspectives to descri be, explain, and predict international relations.
Consequently, students of IR must master these perspectives and the intricaci es of their major principles and tenets.
Write: In your initial post of at least 200 words, complete the following:
· Describe one strength of each of the realist, liberal, and identity perspectives.
· Describe one weaknesses of each of the realist, liberal, and identity perspectives.
· Assess which perspective(s) provides a more comprehensive and accurate explanation of world events.
Respond to Peers: By Day 7, respond to at least two of your classmates' initial posts. Your peer responses must be at least 75 words each.As you reply to your classmates,
attempt to take the conversation further by examiningtheir claims or arguments in more depth, or responding to the posts that they make to you.Keep the discussion on
target and try to analyze things in as much detail as you can. For instance, you might evaluate

ASH POL 255 Week 1 Quiz NEW
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Question 1. What is a perspective?
Question 2. What is a state in which domestic institutions have broken down described as?
Question 3. How do you identify the perspective and level of analysis of an argument?
Question 4. The realist perspective tends to define power as which of the following?
Question 5. Which of the following assumptions about the prisoner’s dilemma does the identity perspective challenge?
Question 6. According to the realist perspective, war is a consequence of what condition that prevails in the international s ystem?
Question 7. The domestic level of analysis would be concerned with which of the following?
Question 8. How does soft power operate?
Question 9. What is the difference between theories and perspectives?
Question 10 .The arguments that anarchy, geopolitics, or the distributio n of power causes events to occur are described by which level of analysis?

ASH POL 255 Week 2 Assignment Levels of Analysis and the
Crisis in Syria
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Levels of Analysis and the Crisis in Syria. Due by Day 7.
Purpose: The primary goal of this assignmentis to explore another very importantconcept in international relations, the levels of analysis precept. Your specific task is to
read a Congressional report analyzing the Syrian crisis and then discuss and assess the various levels of analysis illustrated in the report.
Prepare: Review Chapters 2, 3 and 4 in the course text. In addition, read the assigned report,Armed Conflict in Syria: Overview and U. S. Response.
Reflect: International relations occur at a variety of levels. Individual diplomats and world leaders communicate with each other daily. Domestically, state governmental
institutions,non-governmental organizations and private international businesses develop international plans and strategies. Foreign policy is crafted by governments at
the domestic level but is designed to be implemented at the systemic level. Finally, at the systemic level, international organizations, like the UN or NATO, interact not
only with functionally similar organizations but also with multi- national corporations and state governments. Importantly, our ability to understand where these
interactions are taking place and how and why this level of analysis affects the interactions is necessary for a broad and nu anced appreciation of global relations.
· Discuss statements within the report that illustrate the different levels of analysis.
· Explain why each statement you selected from the report corresponds to the level of analysis you
identified.
· Assess which level of analysis provides the most comprehensive justification for the emergence of
conflict in Syria.

ASH POL 255 Week 2 Discussion Communicating National
Interests
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Prepare: Read Chapters 2, 3, and 4 of the course text.
Reflect: Effective and timely communications among international actors is essential for a peaceful and predictable international environment. History is replete with
examples of both effective, timely communications and ineffective, poorly timed communications between international actors. Effective, timely communications enables
actors to share interests, to establish constructive and collaborative relationships, and to maintain stable and progressive foreign affairs. Ineffective, inopportune
communications can result inconflict,reduce cooperation, and increase stress and fear among international actors.International disputes,diplomatic incidents,and even
wars, have resulted from ineffective, inopportune communications. Success and failure can often be attributed to similar or c ontrasting theoretical perspectives on how
to conduct foreign affairs. Therefore, a more in-depth understanding of how communications are sent,received, and interpreted is needed in order to understand global
politics.
Write: In your initial post of at least 200 words, complete only the portions you are assigned:
· If your last name begins with A - M, you must complete the following:
1. Identify, from the course text readings on World War I, World War II,and the Cold War,one example from each conflict of eff ective, timely communications of
national interests between international actors.
2. Explain what factor(s) made the communications effective and timely.
· If your last name begins with N - Z, you must complete the following:
1. Identify, from the course text readings on World War I, World War II, and the Cold War, one
example from each conflict of ineffective, poorly timed communications of national interests
between international actors.
2. Explain what factor(s) made the communications ineffective and poorly timed.
Respond to Peers: By Day 7, respond to at least two of your classmates' initial posts. Your peer responses must be at least 75 words each.As you reply to your classmates,
attempt to take the conversation further by examiningtheir claims or arguments in more depth or responding to the posts that they make to you. Keep the discussion on
target and try to analyze things in as much detail as you can. If your last name begins with A - M,respond to someone whose last name begins with N - Z. If your last name
begins with N - Z, respond to someone whose last name begins with A - M. For example, discuss the similarities or differences between the main factors that contributed to
the effectiveness and the main factors that contributed to the ineffecti veness of the communications

2-quiz-recent
Question 1. Arguing that the Truman Doctrine demonstrated the United States’ commitment to spreading and defending democratic values is an example of an
argument from which perspective?
Question 2. W hich of the following varieties of nationalism focuses on cultural and racial differences and advocates an aggressive, heroic approach to international
relations?
Question 3. Arguing that German aggression was caused by “logrolling” coalitions among various elite groups, each of which had an independent interest in war
or expansion, is an example of an argument from which level of analysis?
Question 4. The argument that Germany was able to survive (while Poland was not) because Germany could convert wealth into military power (and Poland could
not) is an argument from which level of analysis?
Question 5. W hich of the following are factors that are typically stressed by the liberal or identity perspectives, but are sometimes added to realist arguments to
explain outcomes?
Question 6. W hich of the following organizations was not a Cold W ar alliance concluded by the United States?
Question 7. The liberal argument that W orld W ar I occurred because interactions among the great powers broke down highlights the importance of which concept
from game theory?
Question 8. W hat was the name of the American policy of preventing Soviet forces from expanding the territory they occupied?
Question 9. The term “splendid isolation” refers to what aspect of British foreign relations during most of the nineteenth century?
Question 10 .W hydid Norman Angell, in a famous book written before W orld W ar I, argue that war is a “great illusion?”

ASH POL 255 Week 3 Assignment Moral and Ethical Dilemmas
from America’s Use of Drones
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Moral and Ethical Dilemmas from America’s Use of Drones. Due by Day 7.
Purpose: The primary goal of our third summative assignment is to explore the moral and ethical conduct of foreign policy. Specifically, you will use the moral/ethical
concepts of relativism, universalism, and pragmatism to analyze the use of unmanned dro nes by the U.S. to achieve national security objectives.
Prepare: Review Chapters 5, 6 and 7 in the course text. In addition, watch the video, The U.S. Drone Program is Fatally Flawed: A Debate.
Reflect: The contemporary international system is faced with many challenges and opportunities. Major challenges and opportunities emerge from international events
that often create ethical and moral dilemmas. Challenges (i.e., how to treat our fellow humans morally and ethically) or oppo rtunities (i.e., how to establish absolute
standards of human conductand behavior in international affairs) are part of these enduring moral and ethical dilemmas. Scho lars have developed conceptions of moral
and ethical behavior that enable us to better understand and evaluate these challenges and opportunities. Among these conceptions are relativism, universalism, and
pragmatism. A deeper understanding of these concepts will enable you to expand your investigations of complex and contentious international events, such as the use of
drones to implement foreign policy goals.
· Based on the video, discuss the relativistic, universalistic, and pragmatic moral and ethical arguments for
the use of drones.
· Based on the video, discuss the relativistic, universalistic, and pragmatic moral and ethical arguments
against the use of drones.
Identify one argument that best supports U.S. national security objectives and explain why

ASH POL 255 Week 3 Discussion The Contemporary
International System
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The Contemporary International System. 1st Post Due by Day 3.
Prepare: Read Chapters 5, 6, and 7 of the course text.
Reflect: Realist, liberal, and identity perspectives provide excellent insights into today’s contemporary world. The reali st perspective generally emphasizes the
importance of power in international politics. In general, power is the capacity to influence others to do things that they would otherwise not be likely to do. Power is
derived from many sources,butrealists often emphasize in particular military power and the control of vital resources. Liberal views of the contemporary world focus on
the integrating forces of international institutions and economic interdependence. The 1990s, according to the liberal perspective, provides extensive examples of the
role of international institutions in collective security, legitimizing intervention into the affairs of other states. Identi ty perspectives focus on religious, ethnic, and
national differences and onthe role of political reform inintegrating differentgroups and promotingtolerance. The identity perspective sees ethnic conflicts as socially
created and advocates tolerance and democratization as the most effective answers to those conflicts. Consequently, knowledge of all three perspectives is needed in
order to form a coherent, comprehensive picture of today’s international environment.
Write: In your initial post of at least 200 words, use one of the major IR perspectives (realist, liberal, or identity) discussed for support to explain which is the greater
threat in today’s world: ethnic conflicts or terrorism? Why?
Respond to Peers: By Day 7, respond to at least two of your classmates' initial posts. Your peer responses must be at least 75 words each.As your reply to your classmates,
attempt to take the conversation further by examiningtheir claims or arguments in more depth or responding to the posts that they make to you. Keep the discussion on
target and try to analyze things in as much detail as you can. Make sure you analyze a classmate’s forum answer that applies a different IR perspective than the one you
applied. Compare and contrast your response to your classmate’s and assess who has the most credible and valid argument

3-quiz-recent
Question 1.Which of the following principles did Iraq violate by invading Kuwait?
Question 2.Which of the following is a major innovation of the European Court of Human Ri ghts?
Question 3.Which of the following would Fareed Zakaria classify as an “illiberal democracy?”
Question 4.The International Criminal Court can prosecute individuals for which of the following international law crimes?
Question 5.Article 51 of the United Nations Charter is used to justify the use of force for which of the following purposes?
Question 6.Which of the following is the Arabic term used to describe uprisings in territory occupied by Israel, such as the one that began in 2000?
Question 7.The power transition school of realism sees war as most likely when which of the following occurs?
Question 8.Which of the following describes the International Court of Justice?
Question 9.The realist perspective would most likely call attention to which of the following features of the post–Cold War international system?
Question 10.Which of the following terms describes the practice of reconciling different regulatory standards across states b y requiring product standards accepted in
one state to be recognized by all participants?
Question 1.What occurred on November 11, 1989?
Question 2.Realists would be most likely to agree with which of the following statements?
Question 3.Which section of the United Nations Charter provides for peacekeeping activities?
Question 4.The realist perspective would most likely call attention to which of the following features of the post –Cold War international system?
Question 5.Which of the following terms describes the practice of reconciling different regulatory standards across states by requiring product standards accepted inone
state to be recognized by all participants?
Question 6.Since the end of the Cold War, how has the rate of international intervention to enforce human rights changed?
Question 7.Which of the following describes the International Court of Justice?
Question 8.Which of the following principles did Iraq violate by invading Kuwait?
Question 9.Which states traditionally select the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund and the President of t he World Bank?
Question 10.Which of the following is a major innovation of the European Court of Human Rights?
Question 1.The realist perspective would most likely call attention to which of the following features of the post –Cold War international system?
Question 2.The concern for human rights and an emphasis on the “responsibility to protect” reflect which of the following trends?
Question 3.Which of the following would Fareed Zakaria classify as an “illiberal democracy?”

Question 4.Which section of the United Nations Charter provides for peacekeeping activities?
Question 5.Arguing that U.S. President Bill Clinton pulled troops out of Somalia because the U.S. Congress pressured him to d o so is an example of an argument from which
level of analysis?
Question 6.Since the end of the Cold War, how has the rate of international intervention to enforce human rights changed?
Question 7.Which of the following norms is centered around a state’s freedom from interference in internal affairs by other s tates?
Question 8.A war that is designed to weaken a state that seems to be growing in power before it becomes strong enough to challenge an established power is called a
Question 9.Which of the following terms describes the practice of reconciling different regulatory standards across states by requiring product standards accepted inone
state to be recognized by all participants?
Question 10.Article 51 of the United Nations Charter is used to justify the use of force for which of the following purposes?

ASH POL 255 Week 4 Assignment Easter Island Full of
Mystery NEW
4-assignment-easter-island-full-of-mystery-recent
In your initial post of at least 200 words, address the primary differences between how mainstream perspectives (realist, liberal, and identity) and the critical theory
perspectives explain globalization?

ASH POL 255 Week 4 DQ
4-dq-recent
In your initial post of at least 200 words, address the primary differences between how mainstream perspectives (realist, liberal, and identity) and the critical theory
perspectives explain globalization?

ASH POL 255 Week 5 DQ
5-dq-recent
 Which international relations theoretical
perspective offers the strongest (and
weakest) explanations for the democratic
peace? Why?
 Will the democratic peace be a long-lasting
phenomenon? Why or why not?
 In response to the democratic peace, should
U.S. foreign policy encourage the spread of
democracy? If so, how?

Analyzing the Syrian Crisis Through Multiple Levels of Analysis

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Analyzing the Syrian Crisis Through Multiple Levels of Analysis