Summary for Iraq Politics Paper - Essay Example

Summary Introduction of Final Research Paper: IraqEvents that have characterized Iraq in the international arena constitute a critical subject to explore. This country has had significant and notable events, right from her social, economic and political aspects. Engaging in war and violation of human rights, USA has pursued this country for quite some time now. Different motives have been raised towards the specific interest of the US in Iraq, with arguments that US is interested in controlling the oil fields in Iraq.

Issues of war, terrorism and violation of human rights have placed Iraq in the international arena, differentiating it with most other Middle East countries. Issues of oil have also dominated international debates and Iraqi’s influence on the entire world economy. This paper seeks to assess the Iraqi situation in the past, present and the future, in the light of the research questions presented below.What research question or questions you will address?The research questions that the final research paper will address are the following:What are the past significant events that have shaped the current state of Iraq?

What is the root cause of political instability in Iraq over the years?How have the Iraqi oil fields affected the social, economic and political aspects of the country?What is the role of the US government’s involvement in Iraq?Is the US presence in Iraq attributed to more good or more harm for the Iraqi people?Why do these questions arise? From what real world events relevant to course content? The above questions are based on conflict avoidance and conflict resolution in the Middle East, especially Iraq (Anderson, Seibert and Wagner 105).

This country holds a significant percentage of an important resource; oil. One, Iraq has not had political stability for quite some time. It has also engaged in wars and violation of human rights. Using this as an excuse, a number of countries have been observed to want to control the Iraqi oil fields (Pelletiere 48). For instance, the US have has installed a peace keeping initiative in Iraq. However, over and above the peace mission, US have also been observed expressing interest in one way or another to control the rich Iraqi oil fields.

The specific role and interest of the US in Iraq is ambiguous, and the US’s benefits or harm to Iraq needs critical analysis. THERE IS A GLOBAL ALLIANCE OF RULING ELITES WHICH IS ALSO IN COMPETITION WITH EACH OTHER OVER CONSUMER MARKETS, RAW MATERIALS, LABOR MARKETS. THIS IS THE CONCEPT KNOWN AS “COMPETITOR PEERS” (Lecture: “Liberalism, Realism, theories of International Relations, and Neo-conservatism). However, the primary role of the US presence in Iraq has been to promote peace and stability of the nation.

What preliminary answers do you offer?Possible answers can be predetermined in relation to the research questions presented earlier. Failure to put a stable government in place and the violation of human rights from time to time have made Iraq what it is today (Smith 386). Even before the US made an entry into Iraq, this scenario had been observed. Terrorists and terrorism related activities have emanated from this country ever since the US began her direct integration into the country’s business.

THE US INVOLVMENT IN IRAQ HAS PROVIDED A GATEWAY THROUGH WHICH THESE SUPER POWERS HAVE EXPLOITED OTHER OBJECTIVES ALONGSIDE THOSE OF KEEPING PEACE (Anderson, Seibert and Wagner 124). Iraqi rich oil fields have affected almost each and every sector in the economy, given that oil production is her main income generating activity. The oil industry therefore shapes the social, economic and political aspects in Iraq. OIL IS TECHNICALLY OWNED BY THE STATE (Lecture: "Oil and Iraq"). How do the texts this week illustrate the application of theory to data?

Which imply a theory underlying the data?Application of theory to data is achieved through drawing necessary relationships between the theory and the data. A theory is an agreed upon and proven concept that is used to explain a phenomenon by evaluating the variables that make up the concept. Once a concept fits into a discussion or a topic of study, the theory is applied to data through the use of a model. A model is a relationship that defines treatments that quantify theoretical allegations.

For example, MALE DEVELOPMENT IN WESTERN SOCIETY (Lecture: “Summary, Feminist IR Theory”). Therefore, a theory that underlies given data is accounted for by using a relevant model that fits into the topic of study. International relations theories presented in the texts account for available data that binds all the countries cited in the texts. The link between the theories and the data is a fundamental aspect of this course.What international relations theory or aspects of different theories will help you reach the answer to your research question?

Of the theories in the readings, which are you rejecting, and why?The above presented research questions can be achieved using the liberalism theory of international relations. This theory advocates for GLOBAL POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC INTER-DEPENDENCE, thereby promoting democracy around the world (Amineh & Houweling 64; Lecture: “IR Theory, International Political Economy”). Of the theories of international relations, the realism theory is not appropriate. This is because, it seems to advocate for conflict between and among individuals and nations across the human race.

It EMPHASIZES ON THE COMPETITIVE NATURE OF HUMAN BEINGS, THE LIKELIHOOD THAT HUMANS WILL FALL INTO CHAOS WITHOUT A POWERFUL AUTHORITY TO GOVERN THEM, AND ON THE GOAL OF MILITARY SUPERIORITY AND INTERNATIONAL BALANCE OF POWER (Amineh & Houweling 70).Would you like to consider a theory not on the syllabus?A theory not covered in the course content would be appropriate to consider. This is in line with embracing diversity and dynamism that has encompassed the international relations phenomenon. Being confined within the specifics of the course may not allow for critical and creative assessment of the current trends in history and political sciences, given that each day is a new dawn to an enhanced international relations scenario.

As much as the world changes, so does the interrelationship among states and nations. Capturing current trends in IR can be aided by theories not found in the syllabus. Works CitedAnderson, R., Seibert, F. and Wagner, G. Politics and change in the Middle East. New Jersey: Pearson Education Limited, 2009.Amineh, Mehdi Parvizi and Houweling, Henk.  “IR Theory and Transformation in the Greater Middle East: The Role of the United States” in Perspectives on Global Development & Technology, 2007, Vol.

6 Issue 1-3, p57-86, 30p.Graham-Brown, Sarah. “Women's activism in the Middle East: a historical perspective” in Joseph, Suad and Slyomovics, Susan. Women and Power in the Middle East, Philadelphia. PA: University of Pennsylvania Press, 2001.Lecture: “IR Theory, International Political Economy”Lecture: “Liberalism, Realism, theories of International Relations, and Neo-conservatism”Lecture: "Oil and Iraq"Lecture: “Summary, Feminist IR Theory”Pelletiere, Stephen. Iraq and the international oil system: why America went to war in the Gulf.

New York: Greenwood Publishing Group, 2001.Rice, Condoleeza. “Rethinking the National Interest: American Realism for a New World", Foreign Affairs, July/August 2008.Smith, Steve. Foreign policy: theories, actors, cases. London: Oxford University Press, 2008.