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Competing international relations theories

IR theoryInternational cooperationSecurity & power

Realism, three liberal approaches & constructivism

The Cities Are Moving

One agreement. Which theory explains why it was signed?

A country moves into the neighborhood. An agreement is already signed. Explain the bargain through five IR approaches, investigate two escorts that drew different reactions, and revise your advice as the evidence changes. Finish the week with an exam rehearsal about a new wildfire aircraft pact.

How it runsSolo exam-prep investigation
Time to plan205 min · 3 sittings
What you produceA single Class PDF with both parts of the investigation, the first exam rehearsal answer, and its evidence-based revision
For FunExplore at your paceFor ClassFollow your assignment

Start For Class and enter your name. Course or section is optional. Complete Parts A, B, and C in order. The 42 written responses have a combined 1,425-word minimum. For Fun keeps separate progress and offers optional writing.

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A floating city approaches a harbor in a cobalt screenprint illustration.

What you can explore

  • Distinguish five theories by the causal explanations they offer for the same agreement.
  • Use new records to compare rival accounts and reconsider an earlier explanation.
  • Test a proposal against consent, capacity, and competing interests, then apply the logic to a new case.

Guides & downloads

What the model leaves open

The floating states, the wildfire pact, and the records are fictional. Both cases illustrate how to compare five approaches.

AFTERWARD, THINK ABOUT

What would each theory predict if one detail of the agreement changed?

Teaching this activity Debrief, assessment & assignment draft

Bring it back to the room

  • What would each theory predict if one detail of the agreement changed?
  • What made similar escorts appear different to the people involved?
  • Which new record most weakened your first explanation?

What to assess

Assess evidence and mechanisms, comparison of plausible rivals, and revision after reviewing the rubric. The rehearsal applies two approaches to a new case.

Read the complete teaching guide →

Syllabus description, rubric & printable companion →

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Syllabus description & discussion prompts
Syllabus description
A country moves into the neighborhood. An agreement is already signed. Explain the bargain through five IR approaches, investigate two escorts that drew different reactions, and revise your advice as the evidence changes. Finish the week with an exam rehearsal about a new wildfire aircraft pact. Students produce a single class pdf with both parts of the investigation, the first exam rehearsal answer, and its evidence-based revision.
Questions for a discussion board or class debrief
  1. What would each theory predict if one detail of the agreement changed?
  2. What made similar escorts appear different to the people involved?
  3. Which new record most weakened your first explanation?
Open printable teaching companion →