Discussion 1
From your reading of Chapter 1, What do you expect will be the character of the 21st century? Peaceful? War prone? Orderly? Chaotic? How does this era compare to previous eras? Why do you have the expectations you do, and what clues from the unfolding events in the world might tell you whether your guesses are correct?
Then, tell us your opinion about the most important problem facing our world today. What is the world problem that will most directly affect you or that concerns you the most? Include a link to an image or article or video that most accurately reflects your thoughts. Be sure to cite the link properly (if you are not sure how to do this, please ask).
Discussion 2
Research a country that interests you. (For a 2014 political geography map visit http://world-political-map.com/).
Describe the location and climate of the country. What major oceans, rivers, mountains, etc. does the country contact? (3 sentences)
What are the 2 primary exports (1 sentence)
What type of government characterizes the country? Define this form of government and cite your source. (2 sentences)
Name and describe a non-state group with influence inside the country you have chosen. What is its relationship with the national government? (3 sentences)

UNIT 2
Discussion 1
For Unit 2, we are examining theories of International Relations.Those theories include Realism, Idealism, Constructivism, Marxism, Post Modernism and Feminism.
Choose one theory of IR. How does this theory view the role of the state? Non-state actors? Self interest? Alliances? Power? Security? (10 sentences)
Next, take the MyPoliSci Labs simulation “Prisoner’s Dilemma.” Which theory of IR does this simulation illustrate? How was this helpful to understanding IR? (5 sentences)
Discussion 2
Review Chapter 3 and the websites for the US President, US Secretary of State, US Secretary of Defense, Joint Chiefs of Staff, CIA and the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.
Choose one agency and describe its influence over foreign policy making in the United States? (3 sentences)
How do interest groups and public opinion shape foreign policy? (3 sentences)
Define and explain the difference between interventionism, non-interventionism, and isolationism. (4 sentences) Cite your sources.
Finally, give us your opinion about foreign policy. What is one way you would like to see our foreign policy changed? How does foreign policy impact your life? (5 sentences)
UNIT 3
Discussion 1
Chapter 4 describes types of war, causes of war and types of conflicts. How does this description compare to the Ted Talk by Parag Khanna? In other words, which theory does Mr. Khanna adopt? (5 sentences)
Define terrorism and cite your source. How is terrorism different from war? From crime? (5 sentences)
Finally, describe the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). How many members does it include? Why do countries develop nuclear weapons? (5 sentences)
Discussion 2
Globalization is described as the expansion of trade, the accelerating pace of economic activity and the interdependence of state economies (Review Ch 1).
Choose a country.
List and explain 1 benefit of globalization for the citizens of that country. (5 sentences)
List and explain 1 negative consequence of globalization for that country. (5 sentences)
Cite your sources and be specific with your response.

UNIT 4
Discussion 1
Check out the websites for the United Nations, the Denver UN Association. Pick one organization to visit and spend some time on the website. Tell us about it. What did you learn or what surprised you the most? Be sure to include the exact location of the pages you visited and include references to our textbook where relevant. Then, tell us your opinion-Is the UN relevant today? Why/Why not?
Discussion 2
Chapter 7 discusses North-South relations. According to economist Jeffrey Sachs, poverty is responsible for killing 20,000 people a day. Poverty is often cited as the root of global insecurity and terrorism. Is underdevelopment in the South something to be concerned about? In your opinion, what is the biggest obstacle the South faces to successful economic development? What is the role of women in development? Is foreign aid helpful or hurtful-which kind of aid? Does the North have any obligation to assist the South? Be sure to explain your opinion and give examples where appropriate.
OPTIONAL: View the video available from MyLabsPlus “Kenya’s Development Challenge.”
UNIT 4
Discussion 1
The authors of the text book argue that environmental problems are an example of international interdependence and often create collective goods problems for the states involved that are particularly difficult to solve.
What is the biggest problem facing the environment? Cite your source.
Is international law helpful to preserving the environment? Explain and cite your sources.
OPTIONAL: View the video “The Politics of Climate Change” available from MyLabsPlus.
Discussion 2
Read the following article: The Mystery of Zomia http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2009/12/06/the_mystery_of_zomia/
List 3 characteristics of Zomia and offer explanation. (3 sentences)
Pick a region of the world outside Asia that you think meets the qualifications of “Zomia.” Explain. (5 sentences)
Post three questions that help your peers think more deeply about the article. (3 sentences)