INTERNATIONAL POLITICS PHD COMPREHENSIVE EXAM: SEPTEMBER 2007

Part 1: Answer one of the following three questions.

1. How coherent is liberal theory as a school of thought? In this essay, discuss the assumptions behind three different liberal theorists and the theoretical, methodological, and empirical implications of their views. Highlight the factors that illustrate the coherence or lack of coherence among these views.

2. Is constructivism a "different kind of theory" from liberalism or realism, as Finnemore and Sikkink posit? If so, why? If not, why not? Your answer should bring in at least 3 different authors’ and their arguments.

3. What is a "theory" and what are some ways one can evaluate the usefulness of a theory in the field of international relations? In your answer, discuss and evaluate the ways that three different authors and/or schools of thought define (explicitly or implicitly) and use theory.

Part 2: Answer two of the following five questions.

1. Which, if any, IR theories are most useful in offering guidance on how to end wars between states? Is providing such guidance a reasonable expectation for IR theories? Choose three different arguments relevant to this question and evaluate their strengths and weaknesses.

2. You have been asked by the Bush administration to decide what to do about the "situation in Iraq," in terms of whether to pull US troops out, or remain present (and if so, for how long). Interestingly, you have been asked to nest your decision about the effectiveness of military force in Iraq in a theory of international relations, and to explain how a theory would support your argument. (This question does NOT require you to know in intimate detail US policy toward Iraq; merely to make a recommendation and support it by situating it in IR theory).

3. States sometimes integrate with one another, and they sometimes break apart. Why? What role do identity, interests, and power play in the integration or dissolution of states? In your answer, be sure to discuss at least two different theoretical perspectives on this issue.

4. Consider the use of the term "institution" in the writings of neoliberal institutionalists and constructivists. Are they using the concept in the same way or not? Illustrate your conclusions by picking an "institution" that has been studied by both schools and consider whether the differences in methodological starting points do or do not make a difference to research agenda, research methods and research findings.

5. What is globalization? Does globalization have an impact on state actions? Develop your answer with reference to globalization in any two of the following issue areas—poverty, governance, the environment, immigration, trade.