To write this paper, you should use your croquet experience as a background for evaluating the three systemic perspectives for understanding international relations that have been (or will be) discussed in class during weeks 9-11: Realism, Liberalism, and Constructivist Idealism. In particular, you should orient the thesis of your paper to reply to the question:

Your paper should be organized around the selection of one of the three perspectives, describing that perspective, and supporting that perspective (over the other perspectives) with reference to lessons learned through the croquet experience (and discussion), and your knowledge of international relations in general. Hopefully, your reactions to (and the discussion we have about) the questions I handed out to you after our croquet game should provide an initial testing of the principles central to each of the theoretical perspectives.

I expect that you will have questions as you struggle with this paper. PLEASE talk to me about any questions you have before the paper is due. I will be willing to meet about any ideas you have, or to read any rough drafts you may want to show me.

I have extended the deadline for this paper by one week, to ensure that we are able to discuss the three perspectives in class well in advance of the due date of the paper.