Author Question: Describe the international situation in which a postmodernist interpretation of IR is most relevant. ... (Read 73 times)

gbarreiro · **on:** Sep 10, 2018

Describe the international situation in which a postmodernist interpretation of IR is most relevant. Explain how and why this is the case. Evaluate the validity of the claims made by postmodernist IR scholars.

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Discuss how Marxism is still a relevant theory in the post-Cold War era. Discuss recent political or armed struggles that are driven, at least in part, by significant class issues.

Why might it be difficult to separate class issues from other issues that also drive political and arms struggles, such as religion, military power, or political oppression and freedom?
What will be an ideal response?

marict · **Reply #1 on:** Sep 10, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Ideal Answer: The ideal answer should include:
1. Identify the key characteristics of postmodernism in international relations.
2. Describe a current international situation the above key characteristics best fit. Students might provide an example like Iran or North Korea a state which is viewed by many as a monolith, but is in fact more complex than that.
3. Explain how the consideration of concepts such as subtext, of the fractured nature of states, or of the fluidity of norms might back up the chosen example above.
4. Analyze the legitimacy and prescience of claims made by postmodernist IR scholars. Students should do so in light of what they've written to this point, and using central terms of postmodernist theory.
5. Offer a concise summary and effective conclusion.

Answer to Question 2

Ideal Answer: The ideal answer should include:
1. Define Marxism, as it exists in the post-Cold War era.
2. Explain how Marxism has remained relevant to the global south, in particular. Students might use as examples the modern political struggles of Marxist leaders in Venezuela, Brazil, and elsewhere, and in the military struggles of the FARC in Colombia, the Shining Path in Peru, etc.
3. Analyze how the scarcity of capital and extremely poor labor conditions make it difficult to separate class issues from issues such as religion, military power, etc.
4. Analyze why the express clause forbidding a state religion helps to maintain the separation of church and state.
5. Offer a concise summary and effective conclusion.