International Relations

Answer the following questions in complete sentences, paraphrase any used sources. MAKE FULL AND COMPLETE SENTENCES. Write at least a paragraph per question.

Question 1

According to the hegemonic stability theory, how do international organizations come into being? What is the role that the hegemon plays in this process? Please talk about collective goods and free riders problems in your answer.

Question 2

Describe the five conditions required to define a war as just war. Where do these rules stem from (what are their origins)? Which one of these conditions are codified in international treaties?

Question 3

Lets assume there are two (and only two) countries, Alphion and Betaion.  Alphion is a democracy with a relatively weak military. Betaion is an autocracy with a strong military. There are strong trade relations between the two states as well. Discuss the predictions made by the types of peace weve discussed, democratic peace and economic peace and whether ultimately you believe war is likely between these two states. Please explain if a democracy with a weak military would worry about losing a war or not (institutional explanation of democratic peace).

Question 4

Realism and liberalism take very different approaches to the costs and benefits of enhancing trade between states. Compare and contrast these theoretical explanations in reference to trade. Be sure to include a discussion of relative versus absolute gains and mercantilism.