Component #2 –

We are going to watch a movie (The Fog of War) in class. In this movie a former U.S. Secretary of Defense, Robert McNamara, talks about some of the lessons he has learned from his experiences in politics. You must write a paper on the topic.

The question you must answer in this paper is:

What theories of global politics can be used to explain McNamara’s foreign policy decision-making process?

To answer this question you need to pick three of his “lessons” from the movie. Each of these lessons will be the focus of a body paragraph.

In each body paragraph explain:

1. What the lesson is and the context of the lesson (McNamara’s story)
2. Apply theories we use in the course to explain McNamara/U.S. decision making

Content:

A strong essay (B or higher) will include the following:

1. A clearly defined thesis (the argument)
2. A thesis well supported with relevant evidenceand argumentation drawn solely from course readings and lectures. Remember no outside sources are permitted!
3. A clear and convincing analysisof issues relevant to your thesis that fairly considers reasons both for and against your argument.
4. A clear and logical progression of your argumentation (i.e. a logical structure), written in clear and concise prose.
5. Clearly defined paragraphs, with a proper introduction and conclusion.

Citation Style: Use “in text” (parenthetical) citations when referring to sources cited (e.g. WPTT, 2011, pp. 21).

Format:

Each essay should be at a approximately four to five double-spaced pages (minimum 1,000 words, maximum 1,400 words). Your title page does not count towards the five pages.

You must indicate your name, course name (IR 101 Section 1), and your instructors name on the title page. You do not need a bibliography. NO OUTSIDE SOURCES. Just the textbook and the movie.