Prof. Brawley Poli 243
McGill University Winter 2023
Suggested Paper Topics: First Assignment
In the first paper, you will be focusing on the paradigms or levels of analysis, in order to
explore how they are used. A list of suggested topics is given below, but you may pursue a
different topic if it is approved by Prof. Brawley. (You must get an alternative topic confirmed
by February 3rd). Papers should be no more than 1500 words, including the bibliography. There
is no need for a title page. You should expect to use 2 or 3 sources from class, as well as 1 to 3
sources from outside the course.
Reminder: The assignment is worth 25% of the course total, and is due February 10th at 5pm.
All submissions must be via MyCourses. Late papers will be penalized 3 points per day.
1. How does Analytical Liberalism work? What major pieces of information do you need to
gather, in order to apply this approach to formulate a prediction about the future trade policy
of an African country? How would this differ from an argument using bureaucratic politics?
2. How would an Institutionalist formulate a prediction concerning the future of an international
organization such as the World Trade Organization (WTO)? What would a Constructivist
consider, when making a prediction about the same institution? [This is asking for a
description of the information you would seek; you do not need to know or provide specific
information about the WTO.]
3. In their theories, Structural Realists emphasize competition between states. What sort of
evidence would a Structural Realist employ to make a prediction about the future of the
international trading system? How would this differ from an analysis by an Institutionalist?
4. Assume you are advising the Bank of Canada on monetary policy. The government asks you
to predict the future exchange rate policy of a medium-sized country in South East Asia,
using bureaucratic politics only. What research would you want to gather to execute this
task? Would you have a lot of faith in your prediction?
5. To explain Russia’s decision to invade Ukraine in 2022, political scientists offer very
different explanations. Some apply a system-level argument; others have turned to the
individual-level, concentrating on Putin’s actions. What information would you require to
apply the system-level argument? What evidence would you need to apply the individual-
level argument? What are the strengths and weaknesses of each approach? [This is not
asking you to present the arguments from these two levels, but to describe how each works,
and compare them.]
6. Hilferding (and others) explained the spread of European empires in the 1880-1890 period
using Marxism. How would Structural Realism explain European Imperialism in this era?
How do these arguments differ?
McGill University Winter 2023
Suggested Paper Topics: First Assignment
In the first paper, you will be focusing on the paradigms or levels of analysis, in order to
explore how they are used. A list of suggested topics is given below, but you may pursue a
different topic if it is approved by Prof. Brawley. (You must get an alternative topic confirmed
by February 3rd). Papers should be no more than 1500 words, including the bibliography. There
is no need for a title page. You should expect to use 2 or 3 sources from class, as well as 1 to 3
sources from outside the course.
Reminder: The assignment is worth 25% of the course total, and is due February 10th at 5pm.
All submissions must be via MyCourses. Late papers will be penalized 3 points per day.
1. How does Analytical Liberalism work? What major pieces of information do you need to
gather, in order to apply this approach to formulate a prediction about the future trade policy
of an African country? How would this differ from an argument using bureaucratic politics?
2. How would an Institutionalist formulate a prediction concerning the future of an international
organization such as the World Trade Organization (WTO)? What would a Constructivist
consider, when making a prediction about the same institution? [This is asking for a
description of the information you would seek; you do not need to know or provide specific
information about the WTO.]
3. In their theories, Structural Realists emphasize competition between states. What sort of
evidence would a Structural Realist employ to make a prediction about the future of the
international trading system? How would this differ from an analysis by an Institutionalist?
4. Assume you are advising the Bank of Canada on monetary policy. The government asks you
to predict the future exchange rate policy of a medium-sized country in South East Asia,
using bureaucratic politics only. What research would you want to gather to execute this
task? Would you have a lot of faith in your prediction?
5. To explain Russia’s decision to invade Ukraine in 2022, political scientists offer very
different explanations. Some apply a system-level argument; others have turned to the
individual-level, concentrating on Putin’s actions. What information would you require to
apply the system-level argument? What evidence would you need to apply the individual-
level argument? What are the strengths and weaknesses of each approach? [This is not
asking you to present the arguments from these two levels, but to describe how each works,
and compare them.]
6. Hilferding (and others) explained the spread of European empires in the 1880-1890 period
using Marxism. How would Structural Realism explain European Imperialism in this era?
How do these arguments differ?
