Pick one of the topics listed below. Answer the related question(s) from two different international relations perspectives (realist, liberal, Marxist, or constructivist). You may not re-use the perspective you used in the midterm essay. Assess the merits of each perspective for answering the question(s) and explain which perspective you find superior.

QUESTION

For your final essay:

• Pick one of the topics listed below.
• Answer the related question(s) from two different international relations perspectives (realist, liberal, Marxist, or constructivist). You may not re-use the perspective you used in the midterm essay.
• Assess the merits of each perspective for answering the question(s) and explain which perspective you find superior.

Note that the use of both perspectives should be robust – do not set up straw men.  Also,

Your essay may be up to 1,500 words, not including references.  Papers exceeding the word limit may be penalized.  Your essay also must include a thesis statement that previews your argument (i.e. which theory is better and – ideally – why), at least 6 sources for facts about the events you are analyzing; and additional sources used in explaining the theories you choose.  Please follow the writing guidelines outlined in the syllabus and the more detailed guidance provided before the midterm.

Goals:

The main goals of this paper are to (1) test your knowledge of IR theory and your ability to apply it and (2) test your understanding of one or more of the topics discussed in the second half of term (intergovernmental organizations, NGOs, international economics, war, and human rights).  To achieve the best possible grade, make sure that your paper demonstrates your knowledge and understanding in these areas.  Use references to the textbook or course readings to help you in this.

To successfully complete the paper you will also need to do some research.  You should begin your writing process by reading enough news articles or relevant websites to gain a thorough understanding of the key events related to the question.   Your paper should include a discussion of the key events and identify the main actors involved.  As with the midterm, factual statements need to be backed up with sources and sources need to be credible.  Using a variety of sources and perspectives is also good.  Aim for a minimum of 6-10 sources.  See the Writing Guidance document posted on D2L (in the Midterm folder) for additional information on how to maximize your grade.  You should also review your grade and feedback from the midterm for lessons in how to improve your score.

Topics and Questions (choose one):

Taiwan and the WHO.  Why is Taiwan seeking membership in the WHO and why has the WHO opposed Taiwan’s involvement?

EU and COVID-19.  The EU allows free trade among its member states and promotes European solidarity.  Why then did Germany ban the export of medical supplies to Italy during the height of Italy’s COVID-19 crisis?

Saudi Arabia and Yemen.  Why has Saudi Arabia declared a unilateral ceasefire in Yemen?

ANSWER

Saudi Arabia and Yemen: Exploring the Unilateral Ceasefire from Realist and Constructivist Perspectives

Introduction

The ongoing conflict in Yemen has drawn international attention due to its devastating humanitarian consequences. Amidst this crisis, Saudi Arabia, one of the key actors involved, declared a unilateral ceasefire. This essay aims to analyze the reasons behind Saudi Arabia’s decision from the realist and constructivist perspectives. By examining these contrasting viewpoints, we can gain a comprehensive understanding of the motivations and implications behind the Saudi Arabian unilateral ceasefire.

Thesis Statement

While both the realist and constructivist perspectives offer valuable insights, the constructivist perspective provides a superior understanding of Saudi Arabia’s unilateral ceasefire in Yemen, as it accounts for the role of ideational factors such as changing norms, regional reputation, and the importance of international legitimacy.

Realist Perspective

From a realist perspective, Saudi Arabia’s unilateral ceasefire in Yemen can be understood in terms of strategic calculations and self-interest (Truce Providing Serious Opportunity for Ending Yemen’s Long Conflict, Briefers Tell Security Council | UN Press, 2023). Realists argue that states primarily act to maximize their own power and security. Saudi Arabia’s decision may be driven by the following reasons:

Self-preservation: The prolonged conflict in Yemen has proven to be costly for Saudi Arabia. The ceasefire could be seen as a means to protect Saudi interests, reduce financial burdens, and preserve its regional influence.

Containing Iran: Saudi Arabia perceives Yemen as a proxy battleground with Iran, its regional rival. The ceasefire could be a tactical move to reassess its strategy, gain support from international actors, and ensure a more favorable balance of power in the region.

Constructivist Perspective

From a constructivist perspective, understanding Saudi Arabia’s unilateral ceasefire in Yemen requires an examination of ideational factors such as norms, identity, and the influence of international institutions. Key elements to consider are as follows:

Shifting norms and humanitarian concerns: Over time, there has been a growing global consensus on the need to prioritize human security and address humanitarian crises. Saudi Arabia’s unilateral ceasefire may be influenced by the changing norms surrounding the conflict, placing pressure on the state to respond to international criticism and demonstrate its commitment to humanitarian values.

Regional reputation and soft power: The Yemeni conflict has tarnished Saudi Arabia’s regional reputation. The ceasefire could be an attempt to repair its image and regain regional influence by presenting itself as a responsible actor working towards a peaceful resolution (A Saudi-Houthi Deal Won’t Bring Lasting Peace in Yemen, n.d.).

International legitimacy and diplomatic pressure: Saudi Arabia has faced significant international pressure to address the humanitarian crisis in Yemen (Truce Providing Serious Opportunity for Ending Yemen’s Long Conflict, Briefers Tell Security Council | UN Press, 2023b). By declaring a unilateral ceasefire, it aims to gain international legitimacy, maintain crucial alliances, and potentially secure increased support from the international community.

Assessment of Perspectives

Both the realist and constructivist perspectives provide valuable insights into Saudi Arabia’s unilateral ceasefire in Yemen. The realist perspective emphasizes power dynamics, strategic calculations, and self-interest, shedding light on Saudi Arabia’s motivations for preserving its regional influence and reducing the financial burden of the conflict. On the other hand, the constructivist perspective acknowledges the importance of ideational factors such as changing norms, reputation, and international legitimacy, offering a more nuanced understanding of Saudi Arabia’s decision.

Superior Perspective

Considering the complexities of the Yemeni conflict and the multi-faceted motivations behind Saudi Arabia’s unilateral ceasefire, the constructivist perspective provides a more comprehensive and insightful analysis (“V International Relations Relations Internationales,” 2018). By recognizing the influence of norms, reputation, and international legitimacy, this perspective accounts for a broader range of factors that shape states’ behavior in the international arena.

Conclusion

The Saudi Arabian unilateral ceasefire in Yemen demonstrates the interplay between strategic calculations and ideational factors. While the realist perspective highlights self-interest and power dynamics, the constructivist perspective brings attention to shifting norms, regional reputation, and international legitimacy. Ultimately, the constructivist perspective provides a superior understanding of Saudi Arabia’s decision, as it encompasses a more holistic approach that acknowledges the significance of ideas, norms, and perceptions in shaping state behavior. By comprehensively analyzing these perspectives, we can gain deeper insights into the motivations behind the unilateral ceasefire and its implications for the Yemeni conflict.

References

A Saudi-Houthi deal won’t bring lasting peace in Yemen. (n.d.). Middle East Institute. https://www.mei.edu/publications/saudi-houthi-deal-wont-bring-lasting-peace-yemen 

Truce Providing Serious Opportunity for Ending Yemen’s Long Conflict, Briefers Tell Security Council | UN Press. (2023, April 17). https://press.un.org/en/2023/sc15258.doc.htm 

V International Relations Relations Internationales. (2018). International Political Science Abstracts, 68(2), 247–274. https://doi.org/10.1177/002083451806800205