The Study of International Politics II: International Political Economy

Final Test

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Answer both questions.  Each counts equally.

1. Do systems approaches necessarily underplay, or even elide, political interactions? In your answer, make a general argument and then apply it by comparing or contrasting each of the three main systems works we read to Wolf or to Wallerstein. (NB: if you discuss Wallerstein, please do not simply say that he is concerned with interstate rivalries and the others are not; the point is whether the others would be able to discuss those rivalries and if so, how.)

2. In terms of understanding an international political economy, is the real difference between Taussig’s approach and those of Angell, Weber, and Veblen that Taussig is concerned with poor and often illiterate persons, whereas the other three authors focus on considerably wealthier and higher-status persons? Note that in your answer, you will have to put forward and justify a criterion for comparing these different authors.

Each answer is limited to five (5) pages double-spaced, in Times New Roman typeface, 12-point font, with margins of at least 2 centimeters on each edge; start each answer on a separate page. Remember, please, to number your pages and to put your name on the test somewhere. The test is due by email attachment to Assia no later than Thursday, 17 December at 12.00. You may consult your notes and the readings, as well as any other readings you wish; but you may speak only with me or Assia. 

Thought to consider:

A learned man came to me once.

He said, “I know the way, -- come.”

And I was overjoyed at this.

Together we hastened.

Soon, too soon, were we

Where my eyes were useless,

And I knew not the ways of my feet.

I clung to the hand of my friend;

But at last he cried, “I am lost.”

– Stephen Crane

GOOD LUCK!