International Studies Graduate Students' Class:

Topic:

"The rise of new powers in the international system inevitably leads to war even when states might prefer peace." In answering this question, make an argument that draws on at least one of the three major IR theory paradigms: realism, liberalism, and constructivism. Be sure to explain the logic of your theory and how it affects the probability of war in a power transition. Compare your argument to at least two competing theories drawn from the two other paradigms and explain why your argument offers the most compelling explanation. Finally, what does your preferred theory imply for the likelihood of war between the United States and China?

7 pages maximum. Please provide page numbers. Essays must be double-spaced, use 12-point font, and have margins of at least one inch on all sides. Exceeding the page limit by more than a few lines or deviating from the formatting guidelines may affect your grade.

1. You are not required to consult any readings beyond what is in the syllabus (although you may if you so desire; it will not improve your grade, however). When citing or quoting sources, use the parenthetical author/date citation style: for example, (Mearsheimer 2001, 98) or (Schelling 1966, 80). Do not provide a bibliography unless you cite books or articles that are not on the syllabus. Bibliographies do not count against the page limit. (Do not use more than 3 citations).