Applied English for International Politics
Optional assignment for Thursday, September 5 (give me your papers before Professor Chamber's class)
Purpose of the assignment: to help you understand the reading

Rourke: pages 16 through 22

"The World Tomorrow: Two Roads Diverge"

Introduction

Vocabulary:

• Robert Frost = very famous American poet 1874-1963
• diverge (v)
• crucial junction (n) = an important decision point; a time when you have a choice
• self-interested states (n)
• globalist approach (n)

Reading question:

What are the "two roads"?

 

Realism and Idealism: Some Travel notes on Two Roads

Vocabulary:

• realism, realist (n,n) = belief in a situation as it really is, in the facts as they are; making decision based on what probably will happen -- not on what should happen
• idealism, idealist (n,n) = belief that things can be perfect or better; making decision based on how things should be
• alternative (n) = another choice; a second way of doing things that isn't the usual way
• advocate (v)
• spectrum (n)
• classic concepts (n)
• neo- (prefix) =
• orientations (n) = view points

Reading question:

What are other names for:

the traditional path:

 

 

 

the alternative approach:

 

 

 

The Nature of Politics: Realism and Idealism

Vocabulary:

• fundamental division (n) = basic difference
• schools of thought (n) = ways of thinking
• domestic politics (n)
• pessimists (n)
• optimists (n)
• anarchic (adj)
• classic realists (n)
• neorealists (n)

Reading question:

What are some basic differences between realists and idealists?

Idealism and the Nature of Politics

Vocabulary:

• political predators (n)
• civil societies (n)
• mutual benefits (n)
• facilitate (v)
• reciprocity (n)

  Reading question:

  What do idealist believe and not believe?

 

What do neoidealist believe and not believe?

 

 

The Roles of Power and Justice: Realism and Idealism

Vocabulary:

• Darwinian (adj) = survival of the strongest or fittest

Reading questions:

What does "might makes right" mean?

 

 

What does "right makes right" mean?

 

 

Was Bill Clinton a realist or idealist? Why do you think so?

 

Prospects for Competition and Cooperation: Realism and Idealism

Vocabulary:

• implications (n)
• pragmatic approach (n)
• equilibrium of power (n)
• coalition (n)
• opponents (n)

Reading questions:

What are three tenets of realpolitik?

 

 

What do idealists believe?

 

 

Assessing Reality: Realism and Idealism

In general, has competition or cooperation dominated international relations throughout history?