Second Response Paper: Due Nov. 17

PS 142A

Second Response Paper

Please answer the following questions using appropriate materials from the course readings and lectures. Address the questions fully and completely. Your essay should be up to four pages, double-spaced, with normal font (12-point) and margins (approximately 1300 words in total). Although we are not specifically grading according to these criteria, the clarity of your reasoning, grammar, spelling, and general style will matter. Please use this “take-home” assignment as an opportunity to craft a compelling essay.

Since we had a number of questions on the first paper, let us clarify two points. The word limit is an approximation. If you need additional words to make a clear, cogent, and compelling argument, please feel free to do so. If you exceed the limit and are just blathering on, however, it will try our patience. Also, if you are using materials (readings, lectures) from the course, citations are generally not necessary, although direct quotes should always be properly sourced. If you do cite assigned materials, references can be abbreviated (e.g., LaFeber, p.X). Any material you use from outside the course must be fully cited.

You are free, of course, to discuss your thoughts and essay with other students in the course. Each essay, however, must be your original and autonomous response. All essays must be submitted by 3:00 PM on Tuesday, November 17, via Canvas.

Prompt:

Why did the United States develop a sphere-of-influence in Western Europe (and Japan) after 1945 – and why was such an approach possible after World War II but not after World War I? Why and how did this sphere-of-influence develop into a Liberal International Order? Lastly, how did the postwar order-building efforts by both the U.S. and Soviet Union lead to the Cold War? Be sure to apply the theoretical framework studied in class.