Write a 6- to 8-page paper that gives a basic idea of what the Cold War was, explains one of the proxy wars of the Cold War, and defines
realist and idealist theoretic worldviews to explain the proxy war. The paper will also discuss the reasons the Soviet Union fell in 1991, explain the chaos that
resulted from the collapse, and use realist or idealist theoretic worldviews to support the explanation. Further, the paper will describe how the Cold War and
the collapse of the Soviet Union have impacted (and continue to overshadow) current politics. You will examine the similarities, if any, between the Cold War
and the current War on Terror. Finally, you will draw conclusions about the scope and practice of international relations based on your research by explaining
the theoretical and practical foundations you have acquired. When discussing the scope and practice, use critical thinking and the knowledge you gained in
the course to consider how the varying groups (nations, states, regions, governments, and people) interacted. You will need to use at least six scholarly
sources and follow APA citation guidelines when citing sources both throughout and at the end of your paper.
Specifically, the following critical elements must be addressed:
Defining the Cold War
Define the political tension that exists among nations during a “cold war.” “Tension” can address differences in political systems, economic systems, and
military policies.
Describe the conflict that developed between the United States and the Soviet Union after World War II. Details should emphasize differences in political
ideology, the role of influential political leaders, and impact of geopolitics.
Cold War Proxy
Identify a proxy war of the Cold War and describe the events of that war.
Explain how this is a proxy war for the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union.
Use realist or idealist theoretic worldviews to explain the proxy war.
The Collapse of the Soviet Union
Explain the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Explain the chaos that resulted from the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Use realist or idealist theoretic worldviews to support the explanation.
Impact: Explain the impact on scholars and practitioners of international relations.
Describe the scholarly dilemmas faced by international relations practitioners (political scientists, international relations professors, international relations
researchers, foreign affairs analysts) at that time resulting from the collapse of the international political system. How did the collapse change the way
practitioners would study this topic then and in the future?
How did the collapse of the Soviet Union impact international foreign policy at the time? Consideration should be given to international organizations like the
United Nations and NATO.
What is the impact of the collapse on current U.S. foreign policy? Examples can be policies (laws, actions, regulations) enacted by recent presidential
administrations, Congress, U.S. military and national security institutions, U.S. foreign policy bodies, and the judiciary.
Are there similarities between the Cold War and the War on Terror? If so, what are they?
Conclusions
Describe the impact of Cold War history on current political events.
Describe the purpose, scope, and practice of international relations. Scope is the role of various state and non-state actors seeking to coordinate peace
efforts or military conflict. Practice is the coordination effort between state and non-state actors to achieve their goals. “Non-state” actors can include
nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), terrorist organizations, violent political groups, corporations, financial institutions, and international organizations
like the United Nations and NATO.
Explain the theoretical foundations you have acquired. What theories learned in this course will be most useful to your degree and career?
Explain the practical foundations you have acquired. What skills learned in this course will be useful to your degree and career? How will they benefit you?
“Skills” can include methods, techniques, and strategies learned in the reading and in the process of completing the milestone papers.
What to Submit
Your draft of the final research paper should be at least 6 and no more than 8 pages in length (plus a cover page and references) and must be written in APA
format. Use double spacing, 12-point Times New Roman font, and one-inch margins.
Defining the Cold War: Political Tension Defines the political tension that exists among nations during a “cold war”
Defining the Cold War: Conflict Between United States and Soviet Union Describes the conflict that developed between the United States and the Soviet Union
after World War II
Cold War Proxy: Identify a Proxy War of the Cold War Identifies a proxy war using specific details
Cold War Proxy: Explain Proxy War Between United States and Soviet Union Explains how the war identified is a proxy war between the United States and the
USSR during the Cold War
Cold War Proxy: Realist or Idealist Theoretic Worldviews Supports explanation of the Cold War proxy war with realism or idealism
Collapse of Soviet Union: Explain Explains the collapse of the USSR using specific details
Collapse of Soviet Union: Chaos Explains the chaos in the international system after the collapse of the USSR
Collapse of Soviet Union: Realist or Idealist Worldviews Supports explanation of the collapse of the USSR with realism or idealism
