POLS 321 Midterm Exam Questions S. Majeski

 

Questions for the 7/11 Midterm will be drawn from this list. You will be asked to respond to 2 questions selected from this list. You should be prepared to answer all of these questions.

1. Compare and contrast the ability of the two models of decision-making (rational choice, and bureaucratic/governmental politics) to explain the U.S. decisions during the Cuban Missile Crisis. That is, what are the relative strengths and weaknesses of the two models and which one provides the best explanation of U.S. decision-making in this crisis?

2. U.S. foreign policy during and after the Cold War is arguably about maintaining order and stability so as to foster free trade and economic growth -- with the containment of communism and support for democracy as side benefits. How has the creation and maintanence of client states helped U.S. policymakers achieve these basic goals?

3. We view the policymaking and the outcome of the Cuban Missile Crisis as a case of good policymaking. Some "hawks" disagree. They claim that the U.S. settled for far less than it should have. How did they come to this conclusion? Do you think their position is justified? Why or why not?

4. Why did the United States become so tragically involved in Vietnam during the Kennedy and Johnson administrations? What other factors beside containment appeared to play a role?

5. Describe how the Truman Doctrine, Marshall Plan, and NATO fit together into a coherent U.S. foreign policy strategy.