ESTCA 2021

Does it occasionally occur to you that International Relations are not guided by ethical norms but rather by self interested calculations? If so, take solace, you are not alone. This session uses the Socratic method (it will not go on your permanent record) to teach the concepts in International Relations using as examples the years leading up to or during the Second World War: Realism vs Idealism, Anarchy vs. International Law, Hegemony, Balancing (internal, external and soft), Containment, Collective Security, Passing the Buck, Bleeding, Relative Advantage / Zero Sum, Divide and Rule, Dependency, Appeasement, Spheres of Influence, Credibility and Autarky, Latent Power, etc. The exercise illuminates how all nations, in this case the Allies, Axis and Neutrals use these strategies. Participation is encouraged it is hoped everyone will leave still debating, wishing if only they had said such and such and Googling for days.