Essays and Research Papers on Political Theory

A 4 page overview of the bipolarization that occurred between the U.S. and the U.S.S.R. starting at the end of World War II. While the Russians were our allies during this war, its culmination left much to be desired from the Russian perspective. The result was the Cold War, a period of low ...

A 4 page exploration of U.S. strengths and weaknesses as they relate to national and world security. The author contends that the U.S. can fight more than one war at a time and, in fact, that we are currently exerting the equivalent military effort that would be required of two simultaneous wars in our ...

A 5 page overview of the factors affecting military involvement in third world countries' internal politics. The author discusses this involvement in respect to the concept of new military professionalism, a trend towards interrelated political and military skills. Examples of regimes include China, the U.S., and countries such as North Korea, Iraq, Iran, ...

A 5 page paper which examines what democracies involve in varying countries. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

A 5 page discussion of the mechanisms of oppression that were employed by Stalin. The author of this paper contends that because of Stalin's captivating personality and his phenomenal leadership skills, many Russians just stood idly by while he initiated one measure after another of severe oppression. The contention is presented as well that ...

This 4 page paper examines both of these well known works. How each author sees society is examined individually. A philosophical look at the world is taken. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

A 6 page research paper/essay that compares three predictions about the nature of the post-Cold War world. Francis Fukuyama (1992), John Mearsheimer (1990) and Samuel Huntington (1996) provide predictions concerning the nature of the post-Cold War world. While these authors all perceive the end of the Cold War as precipitating a drastic change in the ...

This 4 page paper examines the concept of traditional realism and looks at how neo-realism has changed it. The two theories are compared and contrasted. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

A 6 page research paper that answers various questions pertaining to international political economy. Topics covered include whether or not economics constitutes the cause or cure of conflict and the effectiveness of the UN. Bibliography lists 10 sources.

A 6 page paper which examines how, with a very powerful election coming up, the President has been accused of lying and withholding information. The paper discusses whether or not lying can be considered a good thing under certain circumstances. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

A 4 page assessment of the problems we are currently witnessing in Congress. Many of these problems are related to the two party system and the influence of special interest groups. The author asserts that while reform is desperately needed, it is highly unlikely.

Three basic questions debated: (1) Michael Smith on moral realism, nihilism, expressivism and moral truth; (2) Thomas Hill on moral agency presupposing autonomy of will; and (3) Friedman's argument on corporate managers contributions to corporate profits, plus a utilitarian position. 3 sources. jvSmHiFr.rtf

A 10 page paper which examines the relevance of property according to these two influential political philosophers, specifically considering how they agreed and disagreed with each other. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

A 3 page paper assessing Anthony Down’s view of economic theory of democracy and political parties’ reaction to it, followed by linking Downs’ theory with Thomas Hobbes’ position on self-interest in Leviathan. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

This 4-page paper discusses Marx's labor theory of values and compares it to the paper on "The Other Civil War."

A 4 page overview of the perceptions of Edmund Burke, Maximillien Robespierre, and Thomas Paine. The author of this paper emphasizes the opinions of Thomas Pain and asserts that revolutions do no necessarily result in long-term instability and violence. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

This 3 page paper provides an analysis of Machiavelli's The Prince as it respects the relationship between princes and the people. Machiavelli's ideas are briefly compared with Hobbes and Locke's. No additional sources cited.

This 4 page paper looks at the founders' intent and how they tried to render a fair situation. Contemporary society is discussed in respect to this problem. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

This 8 page paper examines three amendments: 1st, 4th and 19th. Each is explored to demonstrate how they are relevant to the in different ways. No bibliography.

This 7 page paper examines Plato's Republic and relays the allegory of the cave. Current politics in the U.S. is discussed in depth. What lessons can be learned from ancient philosophy? Bibliography lists 4 sources.

A 5 page overview of the foundations of our political system. The author contends that these foundations allow us to employ rational choice even in the most exacting of circumstances. The 2004 presidential election and the upcoming 2006 Congressional election are two of the situations in which rational choice has/will be tested. Bibliography ...

This 6 page paper examines politics and human nature. How the two can be reconciled is examined. Three different theorists are used in the discussion: Rousseau, Locke and Mill. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

A 24 page paper on the ongoing debate regarding the appropriate role for the U.S. in world affairs. The author details the views of Kenneth Waltz, John Mearsheimer, and Robert Kagan and other political philosophers. Bibliography lists 14 sources.

A 7 page overview of the features of the political parties that make them so powerful. The author contends that the parties secure funding and provide the infrastructure that a candidate needs to be successful. Bibliography list 6 sources.

A 3 page observation that since World War II the number and intensity of civil wars around the world has risen. The author attributes this rise to a rise in nationalism and the ever-worsening economic and social plight experienced by the world's more destitute. Bibliography lists 2 sources.