CPW4U World Politics Name: Yiannis Iordanous
STEP 1:TOPIC SELECTION
The selection here is not exclusive, but is offered as a starting point towards completing the formal argumentative essay.
JUSTIFICATION
FOR TOPIC SELECTION:
TOPIC:
Can collective
security work?
Possible
thesis:
Collective security cannot work, for the fundamental
purpose of collective security is being undermined by the
1. Give two reasons why you selected this topic.
I chose this topic
because national, and international security is an
item of major concern in today’s society. With the threat of terrorism, and war
with
2. Based on your initial survey of reference material, what are three important themes or issues pertinent to this topic? Explain the relationship of your topic to World Politics.
Collective security has been an important topic in World Politics for numerous years. There are both current and historical events that lead one to believe that collective security cannot work.
An important issue related to collective security is the current situation with Iraq. The United States has made it clear that it intends to wage war on Iraq, which shows that the U.N. has little power in comparison to the world’s hegemon (the United States). This makes one question the role of the U.N., as its authority is no longer respected by the United States. In addition, internal strife may threaten to disband the U.N.
Another important issue is the rise of the European Union as a major power in the world. With the initiation of a European defence system one ponders the need for other collective security agencies. A European security council may cause more tension in the world, as it could possibly create a bipolar environment, reminiscent of the Cold War era.
Terrorism is also an issue pertinent to this topic. With terrorist attacks occurring throughout the world, many argue that stronger national security (as opposed to international security), is needed to keep the peace. In today’s society, threats to national security come in the form of terrorist organizations (and individuals), as opposed to nations (with some exceptions, of course). This stresses the point that collective security may not be the tool necessary to fight the threats the world faces today.
I have also found that throughout history collective security systems were very ineffective. The League of Nations is a prime example, as indecision and bad choices made it a very ineffective security system.
The topic of collective security relates to world politics, as it involves many political aspects. It involves foreign policy, military power, alliances and international agreements, which are all parts of world politics. It also involves decision making, which is a very important part of world politics.
3. Name two Books and two Journal Articles that you have consulted about your topic. (Please reference in complete bibliographic format).