Israel Demonstrating Realism

This is not an official government sentiment, but it does reflect typical realist thought.

"He warned that while it would be preferable to have American support and participation in a strike on Iran, Israel will not be afraid to go it alone. When it comes to decisions that have to do with our national security and our own survival, at best we may update the Americans that we are intending or planning or going to do something. It's not a precondition, [getting] an American agreement," he said."

Soccer in Politics

Taking a novel approach, this op-ed piece proposes threating the coming World Cup in South Africa as a consequence for South Africa's non-action on the Zimbabwe question.

"Perhaps it’s time to share the Zimbabweans’ pain, to help persuade Mr. Mbeki to bear down on its source by threatening to grab the world’s soccer ball and take our games elsewhere."

Sports rules the world...once again

Fog of War Report

The Fog of War report is due on July 15. It should be between 5-7 pages. There is no length requirement but you obviously need a certain amount of space to complete the assignment.

Assignment:
Propose a documentary movie based on an interview with one person or a group of people. Outline who you are choosing and why. Then explain how you would conduct a critical oral history interview of the subject(s).

What case are you choosing? Why is it important?
What lessons from the Fog of War book would be useful in examining this case? Why?
What new lessons might be learned by doing a critical history project?
How did the Fog of War influence your choice of subject and goals?
(Do not pick a President or similar leader of a state. Stay away from any event since 9/11.)

Intro to IR Summer Readings, Post 1

Thomas Aquinas, Of War

Thucydides, Melian Dialogue

Machiavelli, The Prince
Read parts of Chapter 5, 15, 17, 18, 21

Morgenthau, A Realist Theory of International Politics

Kennan, Diplomacy in the Modern World
No clear copy online, use these sources to get some background
Kennan Century
Kennan Obit
Excerpt from Book

Wolfers, National Security as an Ambiguous Symbol

Wilson, World Must be Made Safe for Democracy
14 Points Speech

US National Security Strategy

Tolstoy, Patriotism and Government

Zinn, Setting the Moral Equation
This version refers to Afghanistan, not Vietnam as reader version does