International Affairs Questions

Question 1

Immanuel Kant, a noted philosopher, identified three key reasons why he believed the world was moving toward peace despite persistent insecurity and violence. First, he proposed that countries could create organizations and rules to improve cooperation. This concept is seen today in the United Nations (UN), where countries gather to discuss and resolve conflicts without resorting to violence (Pevehouse & Goldstein, 2020): International Affairs Questions.

Second, Kant argued that the type of government influences a country’s inclination toward peace. He contended that republics—with a legislative branch—are more peaceful than autocracies (Pevehouse & Goldstein, 2020). This is exemplified by the European Union (EU), where democratic nations resolve disputes through negotiation rather than conflict.

Lastly, Kant claimed that trade encourages peace by increasing wealth and fostering cooperation. When countries are economically interdependent, they are less likely to engage in conflict (Pevehouse & Goldstein, 2020). The economic relationship between the United States and China illustrates this, as both nations depend on each other for various goods and services, which acts as a deterrent to conflict.

Personally, I find economic interdependence the most compelling reason. In our interconnected world, economic ties are a major deterrent to conflict. The relationship between the U.S. and China shows that economic interests can sustain peace and promote diplomatic resolutions, even amid political disagreements.

Question 2

According to Pevehouse and Goldstein (2020), the rational decision-making model avers that all decision-makers are rational, and their decisions are based on facts, logic, and an analysis of available options. This model begins with the definition of a problem followed by step-by-step courses of action designed to reach an optimal decision. For instance, during the Cuba-US conflict, JF Kennedy and his advisors decided to impose a naval blockade instead of going to an all-out war.

On the other hand, the organizational decision model in foreign policy implies that foreign policy decisions are a result of established practices instead of individual analysis (standard operating procedures) (Pevehouse & Goldstein 2020). The ultimate decisions under this model reflect bureaucracy and organizational customs. When faced with crises, decision-makers will rely on previously established responses rather than generating new strategies.

From the above, one can opine that decisions by American leaders are mostly influenced by the organizational process decision-making model. Whenever there is an international crisis, one can predict US responses. For instance, the US will likely support its NATO allies because of the commitment to support one another during external aggression.

References

Pevehouse, J. C. W., & Goldstein, J. S. (2020). International relations (Brief 8th ed.). Pearson.

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Q 1. Why did German philosopher Immanuel Kant think states might choose cooperation over conflict, resulting in an international system characterized by peace, not war? Provide a contemporary example of each explanation. Which of Kant’s three “answers” is the most persuasive, in your opinion? Why?

International Affairs Questions

Q 2. Begin your essay with a summary of each decision making model (rational, organizational process, and organizational process) that includes a historical example. In your opinion, which model offers the most explanatory power for foreign policy decision making by American leaders? Why?