Questions and Topics for Debate. McGlinchey on Neoconservatives.

Critical Discussion Questions

1. Is Neoconservatism an IR Theory or a Foreign Policy Approach?

• How does McGlinchey characterize neoconservatism: 

as a coherent theory of international relations or a pragmatic 

set of policy preferences?

• Can it be classified within existing IR paradigms 

(e.g., realism, liberalism)?

2. Morality vs. Realpolitik

• To what extent do neoconservatives prioritize moral 

objectives (e.g., democracy promotion) over national interest?

• How does this contrast with realist perspectives in IR?

3. Preemptive War Doctrine

• How does McGlinchey explain the neoconservative 

rationale for preemptive war?

• What are the IR implications of the Bush Doctrine 

and its emphasis on unilateral action?

4. Democracy Promotion: Idealism or Strategic Tool?

• According to the article, is spreading democracy 

a genuine moral aim or a strategic method to secure 

U.S. interests?

5. Role of International Institutions

• How do neoconservatives view the UN and other 

multilateral institutions?

• What are the risks and benefits of the U.S. acting 

outside these frameworks?

..................................................................

Debate Topics

1. “Neoconservatism represents a dangerous departure from 

traditional realist principles in international relations.”

• Argue whether its moral idealism and willingness 

to use force represent a break from realism—or 

simply an evolution of it.

2. “The invasion of Iraq in 2003 was a justifiable application 

of neoconservative principles.”

• Debate the legitimacy and effectiveness of the Iraq 

War as a case study of neoconservative policy in 

action.

3. “Democracy promotion through military intervention 

is inherently contradictory.”

• Can democracy be authentically spread through 

force, or does this undermine democratic values?

4. “Unilateralism is more effective than multilateralism 

in safeguarding national interests.”

• Explore neoconservative skepticism of global 

institutions vs. liberal institutionalist arguments 

for cooperation.

5. “The decline of neoconservatism marks a return to 

realism in U.S. foreign policy.”

• Discuss whether the retreat of neocon influence 

signals a shift back toward realism, or a new 

paradigm entirely.

US, China Trade War Is Not Over

 

Debate. 

(You will need additional information to answer these questions).

US-China. Trade war. 

1. What are the main factors that led to the trade war between 

the U.S. and China?

2. How has the trade war affected the economies of both the 

United States and China?

3. What are some of the major industries or sectors that have 

been impacted, and what are the effects on global supply 

chains?

4. What are the broader implications for other countries and regions, 

particularly those that rely on trade with both the U.S. and China?

5. What role have international trade organizations, such as the World 

Trade Organization (WTO), played in the trade conflict? Have they 

been effective in mediating or addressing disputes?

6. Should there be reforms in international trade regulations to 

prevent or resolve such conflicts more effectively?

7. To what extent do political and strategic considerations, such 

as concerns over technology, intellectual property, and national 

security, drive the trade war?

8. How has the US-China trade war impacted emerging economies? 

Have any countries or regions benefited or suffered due to shifts 

in trade patterns?

9. In what ways might the trade war reshape the long-term 

diplomatic and economic relationship between the U.S. and 

China?

10. What could be the next steps for each country in either 

de-escalating or intensifying the conflict?

How China became a superpower: 40 years of economic reform | DW News

 

Debate. 

How China became a superpower: 40 years of economic reform | DW News

1. How did China’s economic reforms beginning in the late 1970s 

differ from previous policies?

2. What role did Deng Xiaoping play in shifting China’s economic 

strategy, and why was this significant?

3. How has China’s economic growth affected its global standing 

over the past 40 years?

4. What industries or sectors have been the primary drivers of 

China’s growth according to the video?

5. How did opening up to Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) influence 

China’s economic reform and growth?

6. What have been some of the societal changes within China as a 

result of rapid economic expansion?

7. How does China's state-led capitalism model compare to 

Western free-market capitalism? What advantages and 

disadvantages of this model are presented in the video?

8. How has China’s economic transformation challenged traditional 

power structures in the international order?

The New Scramble for Africa

 

The New Scramble for Africa

1. Is the “New Scramble for Africa” Beneficial or Detrimental 

to African Sovereignty?

How do foreign powers balance national interest with respect 

for African autonomy?

2. Are African governments being pressured into geopolitical 

alliances that limit their sovereignty?

3. How does the “debt trap” diplomacy argument hold up in reality? 

(China)

4. Is Russia exploiting African instability for its geopolitical interests?

5. How do these military alliances compare with those established 

by Western powers? (Russia)

6. Are U.S. military bases and counterterrorism efforts improving 

African security or extending U.S. influence in the region?

7. How does the U.S. presence affect the balance of power between 

foreign nations in Africa?

8. China vs. the USA: Competing Economic Models for African 

Development. Compare China's state-led model of economic 

engagement with the USA's market-driven investment strategies. 

Which approach provides a more sustainable path for African 

development? How does the competition between the two affect 

African countries' long-term economic plans?

China in Africa. Video

 

China’s Investment in Africa. 

1. Is China's influence in Africa challenging Western powers and their 

historical influence on the continent?

2. Are Chinese loans and investments in African infrastructure 

contributing to Africa’s development or creating a "debt trap"?

3. To what extent do African countries benefit from these investments 

compared to potential long-term financial dependency?

4. What are the strategic benefits for China in incorporating African 

nations into this global infrastructure project?

5. Beyond economic investments, how is China using soft power in 

Africa to build its influence?

6. Does the growing presence of Chinese businesses and workers in 

Africa infringe upon the sovereignty of African states?

7. Are Chinese investments in resource extraction reinforcing a new form 

of economic colonialism in Africa, where African nations remain dependent 

on exporting raw materials to China?

8. How does this relationship differ from or resemble earlier European 

exploitation of Africa’s resources?

Imperialism. The Scramble for Africa

 (Starts at 3: 15)

1. What were the primary political, economic, and cultural reasons 

that motivated European powers to colonize Africa in the late 19th 

century?

2. How did the idea of “civilizing missions” or spreading Western 

values play into this?

3. What were the long-term consequences of arbitrarily drawn borders 

on modern African states?

4. How did various African societies resist European colonization, and 

why were many of these efforts unsuccessful?

5. How did the colonization of Africa affect its economic structures?

6. How does the legacy of the Scramble for Africa still affect African 

countries today in terms of political instability, economic challenges, 

and social issues?

7. How does the Scramble for Africa compare with European 

8. colonization in other parts of the world (e.g., Asia, the Americas)?

Everything you need to know about Africa

 

1. How many countries make up the African continent, 

and why is Africa considered so diverse?

2. What is the significance of Africa's natural resources 

in the global economy?

3. How has Africa's colonial past influenced its present-day 

political and economic structures?

4. What are some of the key challenges faced by African 

countries in terms of development and security?

5. Which countries or regions have strong economic or 

political ties with Africa, and what are the benefits of 

these relationships?