Intro to international relations, analysis 2

1000-1200 words.
1in margins, Times New Roman, 12pt font.
Any sources must be cited using any of the major citation styles: APA, MLA, Chicago.
Answer ALL questions in one single, coherent essay (NOT a list of questions).
Have a clear argument/thesis-statement and use supportive logic and evidence to support your answer. [Hint: What *** question can you build your essay around?]
Guided Questions:

Explain the significance of these years: 1648, 1815, 1919, and 1945? (*)
Use a metaphor to explain how international relations shifted after each of these events? (**)
Define sovereignty, autonomy, and balance of power. (*)
Which international system was the most stable in history? Why? (***) [Hint: What are your criteria?]
Compare and contrast how US-Soviet relations shifted during the Cold War. (**)
Compare and contrast the U.S.’s experience in the Vietnam War vs. the War in Afghanistan. (**)
Compare and contrast the U.S.’s decisions to invade Afghanistan and Iraq. (**)
How can the U.S. hegemon maintain peace in the international system in the post-9/11 world? In what ways would this approach be similar to the ways the international system was organized in 1945? (***)