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Description

Students are to select ONE of the three questions provided below, and write a two and a half to three and a half page essay in double spaced and twelve point font. In addition, at least ONE cited source must be included within the essay. This can be the optional textbook, another book of an academic and scholarly nature, an academic journal or newspaper article (many of these are available on line), or a RELIABLE web site. All methods of citation are acceptable (APA, Chicago, MLA), just be certain that your sources are duly acknowledged. The first essay assignment is due for submission on Blackboard by 11:59 PM on THURSDAY, MARCH 11, and will account for 20% of the overall course grade. QUESTION ONE Discuss (describe) the following terms as they apply to international relations: NATION, STATE, NATION-STATE, BI-NATIONAL STATE, MULTI-NATIONAL STATE, QUASI-STATE, and ARTIFICIAL STATE. Be certain to provide at least one example for each of these political entities. Regarding multi-national states, what factors account for their being stable or unstable? Conclude the essay by briefly discussing whether an unstable multi-national or artificial state can become stable (perhaps selecting an actual example would help), and why or why not. QUESTION TWO Discuss what factors define POWER in the international system, that is, what accounts for a state to be labeled as a superpower. From there, discuss the term POLARITY as it applies to the international system. Proceed from that point to discuss (describe) the models of MULTI-POLARITY, BI-POLARITY, and UNI-POLARITY as they exist, or have existed, in the international system. What are the main advantages and disadvantages for each of these models? Conclude with a brief analysis as to which model of polarity in the international system you believe to be currently existing, and why. QUESTION THREE Discuss (describe) the five strategic responses to challenges and crises in the international system: APPEASEMENT, AVOIDANCE, NEGOTIATION, COERCION, and CONFRONTATION. Be certain to provide at least one example as to when each of these has been utilized. What are the main advantages (if any) and disadvantages for each of these strategic responses? Conclude the essay by selecting a particular challenge or crisis that presently exists in the international system, and which of the five strategic responses you believe would be most effective, and why.