Political Science Paper

Instructions:

“Please answer the three (3) following questions. Your answers should demonstrate a thorough knowledge of both the lectures and (where relevant) the required readings.”

Aim at writing a minimum of 3 full pages (double spaced, 12 point font) for each question that you answer (i.e. at least 9 full pages in total). There is a lot of material to cover for each exam question – demonstrate the full extent of your (relevant) knowledge.

The exam is to be answered individually (and not as part of a group). Your exam answers must demonstrate your individual understanding of the concepts.

Each question should be answered in an essay form (i.e. Introduction, Body, and Conclusion). *New document for each answer and new title page etc. for each answer*

Include bibliography Chicago MLA format.

Font size 12, times new roman

3 Questions selected:

1. Following the events of September 11, 2001, terrorism became a central policy focus in many states – especially in the realm of security policy. How have political scientists approached the topic of terrorism – in terms of its definition, its history, and possible policy responses. In this light, what do you make of Mueller’s argument that: “Far more Americans are killed each year not only by such highly destructive hazards as drug overdoses or automobile accidents, but even by such comparatively minor ones as lightning, accident-causing deer, peanut allergies, or drowning in bathtubs…Terrorism is rare outside war zones because, to a substantial degree, terrorists don’t exist there. In general, as with rare diseases that kill few, it makes more policy sense to expend limited funds on hazards that inflict far more damage.”

2. Describe the current global economy in terms of the distribution of wealth and poverty. How does Dependency Theory explain differences in prosperity between states? According to the theory, why are some states able to develop economically, while others are underdeveloped? In your answer, be certain to discuss the national development policies that we explored in class (Import Substitution Industrialization and Export Oriented Industrialization). Which of these policies has been more successful and why?

3. In a speech made on May 8, 2018, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the United States would re-impose sanctions on Iran in response to concerns over its perceived nuclear ambitions: “In a few moments, I will sign a presidential memorandum to begin reinstating U.S. nuclear sanctions on the Iranian regime. We will be instituting the highest level of economic sanction. Any nation that helps Iran in its quest for nuclear weapons could also be strongly sanctioned by the United States. America will not be held hostage to nuclear blackmail. We will not allow American cities to be threatened with destruction. And we will not allow a regime that chants ‘death to America’ to gain access to the most deadly weapons on Earth.”

U.S. President Joe Biden has also expressed concern about Iran acquiring nuclear weapons. In a September 13, 2020 interview, he suggested that he would “make an unshakable commitment to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.” However, President Biden has argued that diplomacy offers a more likely path to success: “the threat of nuclear proliferation also continues to require careful diplomacy and cooperation among us…We’re prepared to reengage in negotiations with the P5+1 on Iran’s nuclear program (February 19, 2021).”

Does nuclear proliferation (by Iran or other states) represent a fundamental threat to American (and world) security? If so, what should be done about it? In answering this question, be certain to explore the arguments of both proliferation optimists and proliferation pessimists.