Author Question: Some scholars argue that states are unitary actors with a single foreign policy output, while others ... (Read 69 times)

Destiiny22 · **on:** Sep 3, 2018

Some scholars argue that states are unitary actors with a single foreign policy output, while others argue that states are made up of many decision makers at the domestic level and cannot act unilaterally. Explain both points of view. Which do you agree with most? Why?

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Rational choice theory states that individuals will make decisions guided by defining situations, weighing alternatives, and selecting the option that is most likely to achieve the highest goal for that individual. Based on this definition, could a suicide bomber be behaving rationally? Why or why not?

What will be an ideal response?

diana chang · **Reply #1 on:** Sep 3, 2018

Answer to Question 1

A unitary actor is a transnational actor (usually a sovereign state) assumed to be
internally united, so that changes in its domestic opinion do not influence its foreign
policy as much as do the decisions that actor's leaders make to cope with changes in
its global environment. From this assumption can be derived the expectation that
international actors can and do make decisions by rational calculations of the costs
and benefits of different choices.

Answer to Question 2

Rational choice are decision-making procedures guided by careful definition of
situations, weighing of goals, consideration of all alternatives, and selection of the
options most likely to achieve the highest goals.