### Title: Analyzing U.S. Foreign Policy through IR Theories
**Synopsis:** This lesson explored the application of the three major theories of international relations (realism, liberalism, and constructivism) to understand U.S. foreign policy decisions, with a special focus on the invasion of Iraq. The objective was to deepen students’ understanding of how these theoretical frameworks can provide different lenses through which to analyze and interpret state behaviors and foreign policy outcomes.
### Attendance:
– No specific mention of absentees.
### Topics Covered:
1. **Introduction to International Relations Theories:**
– Overview of realism, liberalism, and constructivism.
– Reflective writing activity on students’ understanding of the theories.
2. **Purpose and Application of IR Theories:**
– Discussion on how each theory provides a unique perspective on international politics.
– Comparative analysis of the theories to understand state motivations.
3. **Deep Dive into Theories:**
– Realism: Focus on power, national interest, and survival in an anarchic international system.
– Liberalism: Emphasizes cooperation, international institutions, and global stability.
– Constructivism: Centers on the impact of shared values, identities, and social constructs on international relations.
4. **Application to U.S. Foreign Policy:**
– Case study of the U.S. invasion of Iraq analyzed through the lenses of realism, liberalism, and constructivism.
### Actionable Items:
– **For Students:**
– Reflect on the discussion and prepare for a deeper analysis in the next class.
– Engage in the assigned homework to apply theoretical knowledge to practical examples.
– **For Professor:**
– Address any technical issues that might hinder online participation.
– Consider incorporating more interactive elements (e.g., group discussions or debates) to engage students further.
### Homework:
– Students are tasked to revisit a U.S. foreign policy decision they have previously written about or select a new one. They are to write a paragraph applying one of the three IR theories (realism, liberalism, or constructivism) to explain the U.S.’s actions in the chosen policy decision. This assignment is intended to prepare for a more in-depth discussion in the next class.