Chapter Five: International Politics from a Group and Decision-making Perspectives

Exercises

• Think of several roles that you play or several identities you may have in society. What are some actions that are appropriate for each? Are there any actions or behaviors that are considered appropriate--that is, fall within commonly accepted norms--for one identity that are not appropriate for another?
  
  For example, in my role as a ballet student, it is perfectly acceptable--in fact, it's socially expected--for me to show up to class wearing a leotard and tights. In my role as a college instructor, though, this would not be considered appropriate.
  
  
  
• Identify several roles that the United States plays internationally. (Hint: Think of U.S. interactions with different groups of states or in different settings.) What are some actions that are appropriate for each? What actions are appropriate for the United States if it's acting in one role but not in another?
  
  
  
• Identify several roles that the People's Republic of China plays internationally. (Hint: Think of Chinese interactions with different groups of states or in different settings.) What are some actions that are appropriate for each? What actions are appropriate for China if it's acting in one role, but not in another?
  
  
  
• What happens to states when they act outside their expected roles or fail to conform to norms for states in that role? Would the consequences for the United States be different than, say, for Burkina Faso or Vanuatu? What about states like North Korea?