International Conflict and Cooperation interests me for a couple of reasons. Foremost I like the intricacy involved in international conflict and cooperation. I have always enjoyed playing games of high strategy such as Risk or video games such as Sid Meier’s Civilization. I enjoy playing such games because they require a player to develop a brilliant game-winning strategy. For instance, if I wanted to make sure my interests were satisfied, I would need to develop a well-calculated and thought-out plans. The usual premise for such games is to force the other party to make a deal by threatening them with war. Either way, my actions would always have both benefits and consequences. Similarly, countries play such games with each other, only that the stakes are much higher in the real world. For instance, the United States uses embargos to force non-cooperating countries such as Iran or Venezuela into submitting to its will. It is very common for countries to use the threat of war to pursue their national interests. I am hoping that this class, International Conflict and Cooperation, will help me understand the different types of strategies used in the international stage. I want to learn how countries prioritize their goals and work with one another or against each other to achieve those goals.
Secondly, the class interests me because I am passionate about social sciences, especially history. Most classes in school focus on current issues around the world. Such classes are essential because they give students a better understanding of the world around them. Moreover, learning about current issues keeps students informed about pressing issues affecting the world today. However, I find courses that history courses quite intriguing. Unlike courses that focus on current affairs, history courses provide insights into how past decisions and strategies impact today’s society. Accordingly, I enjoy history courses because they teach the long-term effect of past decisions on the modern world. For instance, in 1938, Chamberlain’s appeasement probably seemed like a good strategy to avoid another world war. At the time, it was a popular and seemingly pragmatic strategy to prevent another world war. One can examine the arguments behind Chamberlain’s appeasement and understand why the plan was well received by a war-weary Europe. However, when we analyze the causes of the Second World War, it becomes apparent that Chamberlain’s appeasement was a terrible miscalculation. Accordingly, history’s lens helps us understand why Chamberlain’s appeasement was a weak policy. In addition, we can learn from mistakes made by Chamberlain’s appeasement to avoid a repeat of the same.
The two reasons outlined above are the reasons why I think the International Conflict and Cooperation class could be incredibly interesting and enjoyable. I look forward to learning more about international conflict and cooperation of today and the past in this class. In this way, I will be better equipped to analyze current international situations rationally. Additionally, having a rational perspective of international conflicts will help myself and others form correct viewpoints of the world