PSC 116G Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Islamic Fundamentalism, Rational Choice Theory
Exam 2 Essay Questions
1) Although the rational actor model is the dominant perspective used
in foreign policy analysis, states and state leaders often deviate from
rational decision-making. What are three possible causes for these
deviations from rational decision-making? Do you think that most
theories of state behavior should still assume that states and their
leaders are rational? Explain your reasoning.
2) War is described as a persistent challenge for the international
community. What are the different types of international conflict and
how do they differ from each other? What are historical patterns that
define international conflict? In your opinion, what theories provide the
best explanations for the different types of international conflict?
3) What are the principles of suicide terrorism? How accurate is the
typical media portrayal of a terrorist as an irrational religious fanatic?
Not well. Not based off solely religion. Do you think that international
terrorism can be eradicated completely? No. Explain your reasoning.
• Definition of Terrorism:
i. Hard to define what it is/is not and who is/is not a terrorist
ii. Formal definition: the use or threat of violence by
nongovernmental actors in an effort to change government
policies by creating fear of further violence
iii. Definition stresses three key points: (1) it’s a method not a
goal. (2) government violence generally not labeled as
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Document Summary
Exam 2 essay questions: although the rational actor model is the dominant perspective used in foreign policy analysis, states and state leaders often deviate from rational decision-making. Explain your reasoning: war is described as a persistent challenge for the international community. Why: suicide bombers mainly commit these actions because of a personal connection. Suicide terrorism: conventional wisdom based on flawed early research, viewed suicide attacks as irrational, especially for individuals carrying out the attacks, consequently, studies focused on individual motivations, religious indoctrination (esp. Islamic fundamentalism: psychological predispositions, current studies suggest these early explanations are inadequate, religious motivation may matter, but suicide attacks are not limited to islamic fundamentalists. In the twenty years before the start of the war in iraq, incidents of suicide terrorism increased. Describe the rational actor model by detailing its assumptions about individual decision-makers. Despite its position as the dominant theory, the rational actor model is not without its critics.
