Essay Questions: Readings And Lectures Covered A Number
Essay Questionzachs Readings And Lecture Ranged Over A Number Of Int
Essay question: Zach's readings and lecture ranged over a number of interesting topics. Feel free to answer one, some, or all of the following questions - they are all related. Look up information about Bernie Sanders' and Hillary Clinton's respective foreign policy perspectives - how do they compare with Dorfman's perspective on international relations, as he described in the lecture? Instead of what it has been and is doing, what do you think the United States should do with its unparalleled military and economic power? What should the US do regarding nuclear weapons and refugees? Lastly, how have your views on foreign policy been formed? How reliant on media companies are you for information about US foreign policy, and if you feel overreliant on them, how might you develop a more diverse set of information sources? 500 words.
Paper For Above instruction
The evolution of U.S. foreign policy has been shaped by a complex interplay of political ideologies, global events, and domestic influences. Notably, prominent political figures like Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton present contrasting visions for America’s role on the global stage, which can be juxtaposed with Dorfman’s perspective on international relations. Additionally, the future direction of U.S. military and economic power, particularly concerning nuclear disarmament and refugees, warrants critical examination. Personal reflections on how foreign policy views are formed and the influence of media sources further deepen this analysis.
Bernie Sanders advocates for a foreign policy centered on diplomacy, human rights, and military restraint. His stance emphasizes reducing military interventions, resisting unnecessary conflicts, and focusing on multilateral cooperation through institutions such as the United Nations. Sanders argues for comprehensive arms control, including nuclear disarmament, and fostering global peace. In contrast, Hillary Clinton’s foreign policy approach aligns more with traditional geopolitics, emphasizing strategic alliances, maintaining military superiority, and active international engagement to safeguard American interests. She supports using U.S. power to promote democracy and economic growth but is more inclined toward military interventions than Sanders.
Dorfman’s perspective on international relations, as discussed in the lecture, reflects a critique of traditional power politics and emphasizes the importance of global cooperation and ethical responsibility. Unlike the realist approach that prioritizes national interest through military dominance, Dorfman advocates for an internationalist perspective that values diplomacy, social justice, and institutional frameworks to address global issues. Comparing this to Sanders’ and Clinton’s views, Sanders’ emphasis on diplomacy aligns more with Dorfman’s approach, whereas Clinton’s assertive stance reflects a more traditional, power-centric outlook.
Looking ahead, the United States possesses unparalleled military and economic power, which should be harnessed responsibly to promote global stability and justice. Instead of an aggressive posture, the U.S. should prioritize diplomatic engagement, support for disarmament, and development aid. Regarding nuclear weapons, the U.S. should lead international efforts for comprehensive disarmament and strengthening verification regimes, reducing the risk of nuclear proliferation. The U.S. should also adopt policies to facilitate refugee resettlement, providing humanitarian assistance and collaborating with international organizations to address root causes of displacement, such as conflict and climate change.
My views on foreign policy have been shaped by a combination of academic coursework, historical studies, and current events. Media outlets play a significant role in my understanding of U.S. foreign policy; however, I recognize that overreliance on mainstream media can lead to a limited perspective. To develop a more diverse and nuanced understanding, I seek out scholarly articles, international news outlets, think tank reports, and diverse perspectives from across the political spectrum. Engaging with these multiple sources enables a more comprehensive and critical approach to understanding complex global issues.
In conclusion, U.S. foreign policy should evolve toward a more ethical, cooperative, and responsible model, moving away from traditional notions of dominance toward global partnership. The perspectives of Sanders, Clinton, and Dorfman offer valuable insights into how this can be achieved, emphasizing diplomacy, disarmament, and international solidarity. Developing diverse sources of information is crucial for informed civic engagement and policy making in an interconnected world.
References
- Clift, B. (2018). U.S. Foreign Policy: The Paradox of Power. Routledge.
- Gaddis, J. L. (2020). On Grand Strategy. Penguin Press.
- Sanders, B. (2019). Where We Go from Here: Two Years in the White House. Voz.
- Clinton, H. (2014). Hard Choices. Simon & Schuster.
- Dorfman, A. (2017). Ethics and International Relations. Oxford University Press.
- Posen, B. (2014). Restraint: A New Foundation for U.S. Grand Strategy. Cornell University Press.
- United Nations. (2021). Annual Report on Refugee Situations. UNHCR.
- Nye, J. S. (2017). Soft Power: The Means to Success in World Politics. Public Affairs.
- Mazower, M. (2020). Governing the World: The History of an Idea. Penguin Books.
- Chomsky, N. (2018). Hegemony or Survival: America’s Quest for Global Dominance. Metropolitan Books.