Question

0. International Relations and History. Complete EITHER question 1 or question 2

   1. ‘Total Wars’ have reshaped modern international history. What were the major factors that led Europe into World War I? At the end of World War I, what were the most notable peace efforts? What made these efforts fail and plunged the world back into general war in 1939? What are the contributions of the realist, liberal and constructivist approaches to explaining these conflicts?

   2. A number of major changes have altered the international system since 1945. What are the main changes to the operation of the international system since the end of the Second World War? To what extent have these changes confirmed (or challenged) the liberal or realist approaches to IR theory?

Answer 1

We focus on Question (1):

What were the major factors that led Europe into World War I?

Answer: (a) European colonization: Increased conflicts among European countries to set colonies in various parts of world led to struggle with Britishers and French who were main power at that time.

(b) Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria initiated world war with immediate effect.

(c) Alliance between Germany and Austria-Hungary led to escalations and finally a setup for world war first.

At the end of World War I, what were the most notable peace efforts?

Answer: (a) Paris Peace Conference proposed a series of peace treaties.

(b) The Treaty of Versailles was signed with Germany to initiate peace and this brought World War first to an end.

(c) US President Wilson formed League of Nations in 1919.

What made these efforts fail and plunged the world back into general war in 1939?

Answer: (a) Treaty of Versailles had imposed a lot of restrictions on Germany as well as a lot of financial sanctions. So, Germany was not happy.

(b) Japanese were expanding in Asia by invading China.

(c) Fascist dictators were taking initiatives to expand and conquer new lands.

(d) Rise of Hitler in Germany was seen as a symbol of Nationalism among Germans and they were ready to retreat against what happened to them after World War first.

What are the contributions of the realist, liberal and constructivist approaches to explaining these conflicts?

Answer: (a) Realists explained that people are destined to wars

Realists said wars are fought for power, survival, expansion and security.

(b) Liberals believed in freedom, equality, democracy and human rights.

They stressed for positive forces and individual freedom.

(c) Constructivists viewed war from point of view of priority of ideas and human consciousness.

They stressed to focus on social factors.

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