Global Perspectives Essay
Title: Exploring the Pursuit of Global Betterment through the Study of International Relations
Introduction
As I delve into the study of International Relations (IR), I find myself resonating with the sentiments expressed by A.C. McKeil in his essay “A Brief Introduction to the Study of International Relations.” McKeil’s assertion that students are drawn to IR by their personal connections to real-world issues is a compelling notion. This reflection essay will delve into my own motivations for studying IR, the issue that holds personal significance for me, the questions it raises, my alignment with McKeil’s perspective on improving the world through the study of IR, and the potential efficacy of IR in addressing global issues.
Personal Connection to an Issue: Climate Change
For me, the most pressing global issue that I bring to the study of IR is climate change. Having witnessed the devastating impacts of changing weather patterns and rising sea levels, I am deeply concerned about the future of our planet. As an undergraduate student, I contemplate the potential of focusing my studies on environmental diplomacy and international cooperation to mitigate the effects of climate change. This issue resonates with me on a profound level, motivating me to explore solutions that transcend borders and demand collective action.
Unpacking the Issue: Climate Change
McKeil’s questions regarding the issue are poignant. Why is climate change happening? Must it continue to worsen? Can it be reversed? These questions drive me to understand the complex web of factors contributing to climate change, from economic interests to political inertia. The study of IR, as I’ve experienced in INS101-O, has provided me with a multifaceted lens through which to analyze the global dynamics that perpetuate this crisis. It has also underscored the necessity of collaboration among states, international organizations, and non-state actors to effectively combat climate change.
Alignment with McKeil’s Perspective
McKeil’s assertion that studying IR is closely linked to the desire to make the world a better place profoundly resonates with me. I believe that the pursuit of knowledge within IR should be accompanied by a genuine commitment to addressing the world’s challenges. The notion of throwing ourselves at the betterment of global issues speaks to my conviction that education is not merely an intellectual exercise but a means to create meaningful change. By immersing myself in the study of IR, I seek to contribute to the solutions needed to tackle climate change and related global problems.
Personal Alignment with the Statement
Personally, I wholeheartedly align with McKeil’s sentiment. My journey through INS101-O has reinforced my belief in the transformative potential of IR. The diverse perspectives, discussions, and insights shared during the course have solidified my conviction that studying IR equips individuals with the tools to address complex global issues. My experience in the course has underscored the significance of dialogue, diplomacy, and informed policy-making to drive positive change.
Effectiveness of IR in Addressing Climate Change
Considering the issue of climate change, the question arises: Can IR effectively address this global crisis? Through my engagement with INS101-O and the knowledge gained from Sorensen, Moller, Jackson, and McKeil, I am optimistic about the potential of IR to contribute meaningfully to tackling climate change. The interconnected nature of environmental issues necessitates international cooperation and comprehensive policies. The concepts of global governance, multilateral agreements, and diplomacy, emphasized in IR studies, offer avenues for addressing climate change at a systemic level. Furthermore, the rising prominence of climate diplomacy and international agreements like the Paris Agreement exemplify the tangible impact of IR on global environmental policy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the study of International Relations serves as a powerful conduit for addressing critical global issues. Drawing inspiration from A.C. McKeil’s essay, I recognize the profound connection between personal motivations, intellectual exploration, and global betterment. As I pursue my academic journey in IR, I am driven by a desire to contribute to the resolution of climate change and other pressing challenges. The transformative potential of IR lies not only in its analytical tools but in its capacity to inspire positive change through informed policy-making and collaboration. While challenges persist, the study of IR offers hope for a more sustainable and just world for all beings on planet Earth.
QUESTION
Description
You need to write a 4-page reflection essay (point deductions will be incurred if this page limit is exceeded or otherwise not met), formatted as follows*:
(1) (1%) neither a cover page nor a bibliography is to be counted among the 4 pages;
(2) (1%) standard 1-inch margins, with name and page #s embedded in header/footer;
(3) (1%) any citation style of student’s choosing is to be noted below student’s name in header, and to be accordingly applied; (4) (1%) Times New Roman 12-point font (use of larger/smaller font will result in point deductions);
(5) (1%) double-spaced;
(6) (2%) essay content to consist of no fewer than 8 distinct paragraphs, each with a clearly defined and evident purpose;
(7) (5%) sources cited/referenced are to be strictly limited to: (A) required: Ch. 1 of Sorensen, Moller and Jackson (2022); and A.C. McKeil (2017); and (B) optional: any other additional readings listed on the course syllabus;
(8) any excessive citation, referencing, and/or direct quotation, to the extent that it impedes conveyance of original expression is subject to point deductions; and
(9) (3%) essay is to be given a succinct yet interesting title.
Essay prompt:
For this reflection essay, discuss this quote from A.C. McKeil’s 2017 e-ir essay, “A Brief Introduction to the Study of International Relations” (this essay is posted inside the final essay folder in Assignments):
What Ken Booth (2014) calls ‘big and important problems’ are first and foremost what brings most students to IR. Every student will have a real-world issue or concern that s/he brings to the study, and which she can make her/his specialty. It is these personally recognized public problems that make the intellectual world of IR visible to the student. It is from these problems that the questions spring. Why are these problems going on? Must they? Or, can they be otherwise? Something I have always felt is close to the spirit of studying IR, is the drive to “make the world a better place”, to address the big and important problems of the world, to throw ourselves at their betterment. The study of IR is first and foremost a study, an intellectual activity, with an intellectual world, but awareness of it and interest in it comes from real-world problems… International problems are the reason why we get to the international questions.
Ensure the completeness of your essay by including in it the following components:
First (25%), share what is the real-world issue (concern or problem) you as an individual, based on personal history and/or prior studies, bring to the study of IR, and your thoughts about pursuing it as an undergraduate specialty (you may either choose from one of those presented by A.C. McKeil (2017) – identity troubles; war and revolution; foreign policy and security; international organization; or international political theory – or from one of the other contemporary issues in IR covered through our course topics). This may (or may not) involve you connecting the issue to your choice of sovereign state you have represented in the course, this semester (it doesn’t have to). Second (25%), respond to the questions that A.C. McKeil tells us spring from your chosen issue, i.e. Why are these problems going on? Must they? Or, can they be otherwise? [For this reflection essay there are no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ answers to these questions; rather, they are intended to inspire you to express how your experience in INS101-O changed the way you view the issue].
Third (25%), discuss the extent to which you relate to this statement by A.C. McKeil: “Something I have always felt is close to the spirit of studying IR, is the drive to “make the world a better place”, to address the big and important problems of the world, to throw ourselves at their betterment.” Provide your individual reasons (informed by your personal experience and your experience in INS101-O this semester for why you either relate or do not relate to this statement [again there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ response].
Finally (10%), based solely on the rest of the above essay, expressed according to the above components, student is to conclude with an informed opinion on the extent to which IR is—or is likely to become more (or less) effective in—addressing the issue at hand in a policy relevant manner that improves life for all beings on planet Earth.
Fill in the order form and submit all your files, including instructions, rubrics, and other information given to you by your instructor.
Once you complete filling the forms, complete your payment. We will get the order and assign it to a writer.
When your order is completed, it’s assigned to an editor for approval. The editor approves the order.
Once approved, we will upload the order to your account for you to download. You can rate your writer or give your customer review.
