Fast Facts
Foreign Policy Schools of Thought in brief
Neoconservatives
Not an international relations school of thought per-se, but IR is a
part of their platform. They believe in spreading democracy at all costs. They believe that a
little instability is a good thing, as American democracy was founded in
instability.
Believe America should "export democracy" along with the ideals of government, economics, and culture that come with it. They reject U.S. reliance on international organizations and treaties to accomplish these objectives.
Realism (also known as Political Realists)
Believe that stability is more important than all else. The focus
is on state security and power above all else.
Believes in the strong power of states (as opposed to non-state
players like terrorist groups, etc.).
Realists believe that states are
primarily motivated by the desire for military and economic power or
security. They are not motivated by ideals or ethics.
Liberalism (also known as Idealists)
States cannot act alone. States are motivated by their political
and economic preferences and need international law, morality, and
agreement of conduct to guide state behavior. Peace is achieved by the cooperation
that comes out of state preferences. Peace and overall mutual gain comes form co-operation
and interdependence.
Neoliberalism
Agree that nations need to cooperate for mutual gain, but that they
should look toward long-term gain rather than short-term gain.
Neoliberals believe that international organizations like the UN are key
to resolving conflicts and working toward those gains.
Middle East Religious Groups - Majority and
Power
|
Country |
At Power |
Population Majority |
| Bahrain | Sunni | Shiite |
| Egypt | Sunni | Sunni |
| Iran | Shiite | Shiite |
| Iraq | Shiite | |
| Jordan | Sunni | Sunni |
| Kuwait | Sunni | Shiite |
| Lebanon | 53% Shiite / 47% Sunni | |
| Oman | Sunni | Ibhadi |
| Qatar | Sunni | Sunni |
| Saudi Arabia | Salafist | Salafist |
| Syria | Shiite (Alawite) | Sunni |
| UAE | Sunni | Sunni* |
| Yemen | ||
| *85% of population is expat. Of the citizens, 85% are Sunni, 15% Shia | ||