Reference no: EM132282227
D1: Are Democracies More Legitimate and Peaceful?
This discussion addresses module outcome 1. According to Michael Doyle's very good summary of liberal theory on democracy, constitutionally-secure domestically-just republics do not go to war easily or with each other. This summarizes and builds on Immanuel Kant's work, and is controversial, but generally approved of as a theory worthy of intense scrutiny in international relations. But, is it true?
In this discussion, you will review the theoretical argument for a democratic peace amidst the broader proposition that democracies are more legitimate than non-democracies, performing better on key societal measures like trust in government, economic growth and equity therein, etc. You will also offer your own assessments on the validity of these propositions.
Before beginning this activity, be sure to read the module notes and the assigned readings and viewings. You should also reflect upon the materials in Module 2, which examined the origins of liberal democratic theory and some of the disciplinary divisions and bridges. Use and cite as much detail from the readings and other learning materials in these modules as possible to answer the following three questions:
• According to liberal theorists, in what ways do democracies behave differently than non-democracies? For example, do they act more legitimately at home and abroad because of the need for popular support?
• Are democracies more pacific (peaceful) in their relations with other states, and among themselves?
• Based on your considered readings and personal experiences, do you find these arguments about democracy to be persuasive? If yes, why; if not, why not? Be sure to call upon your personal experiences, examples, and views here.
Your initial post should be at least 250 words and must substantively integrate the assigned readings with proper APA style formatting.
Read:
• Required
o Module Notes: Democracy and Prosperity in the World
o Read about: M7A1: The Social Sciences and Modern Dilemmas
o Hunt, E. & Colander, D. (2014). Social science: An introduction to the study of society (15th). New York, NY: Routledge.
D2: Democratic Governance and Global Dilemmas
This discussion addresses module outcome 2. You have reviewed a great deal of literature in this module and in the course about governance and difficult societal challenges. In this discussion, you are to evaluate whether democracies are up to the job of dealing with the 21st century's dilemmas.
You may consider the unstated question herein, are authoritarian governments better at contemporary problems in domestic and global society?
For example, is China or Russia better off than the U.S. on income inequality, populist factions destabilizing the regime, etc.? Draw upon any and all of your readings, viewings, and personal experiences to address the questions below and the primary claim of democratic exceptionalism.
Before beginning this activity, be sure to read the module notes and the assigned readings and viewings. Drawing on as many of the course materials as you can, in this discussion you will evaluate the performance of democracies. Use and cite as much detail from the readings and other learning materials in the module as possible to answer the following two questions:
• What are the arguments for democracy being better at dealing with contemporary social problems and challenges than non-democracies? Do you agree with these or disagree, and why?
• In your view, are contemporary democracies up to the global challenges that abound and threaten democratic stability -- such as the ongoing economic and financial crisis since 2008; the rise of hostile, nativist and fundamentally anti-democratic populism; war and peace among states; energy dilemmas and global warming; or any other challenges of your choice? If so, why; if not, why not?
Your initial post should be at least 250 words and must substantively integrate the assigned readings with proper APA style formatting.
Read:
• Required
o Module Notes: Democracy and Prosperity in the World
o Read about: M7A1: The Social Sciences and Modern Dilemmas
o Hunt, E. & Colander, D. (2014). Social science: An introduction to the study of society (15th). New York, NY: Routledge.