Idealist or Realist? -- A Political Analysis of Harper's G8 Agenda.

Stephen Harper travels to Switzerland this week to meet with leaders of the eight wealthiest democracies in the world -- the G8. He will be urging his colleagues around the table to commit political and economic resources to aid some of the world's most vulnerable -- the pregnant mothers and their children in some of the world's most under-developed societies.

On the surface, this looks to be a self-less act of compassion and generosity, made by a genuine and visionary political leader who is supported by an ethical, engaged and concerned population. In his own words, Harper's G8 agenda constitutes "substantive acts of human good will."

However, as the study of political realism demonstrates, we should not be so quick to accept this version of events.

According to the terms of realism, states are unitary and rational actors, concerned primarily with their own survival in an anarchic world.

Consider the diagnosis and prescription studied in Machiavelli's The Prince, and Thomas Hobbes' Leviathan.

If the lens of realism is applied, how might we see and interpret Harper's G8 announcements?

Read the following articles and write a 500 (approx) word argumentative blog response.
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Sources:

CBC News Video Clip: Stephen Harper in Davos, (January 28, 2010).

"PM looks to set tone in Davos Economic Forum," CBC News, (January 26, 2010)

"Stephen Harper wants G8 to honour past promises, not make new ones," Globe and Mail (January 28, 2010).

"Making the world safe for childbirth: editorial," Globe and Mail, (January 27, 2010).

Office of the Prime Minister, "Canada's G8 Priorities." (26 January, 2010.)

"Harper's Aid Spending Under the Microscope," Globe and Mail (January 26, 2010).

"With Plight of Mothers, Harper Seeks New G8 Course," Globe and Mail (January 27, 2010).

"If the PM is Serious About Maternal Mortality," Globe and Mail (January 30, 2010).

"Maternal Mortality: Why It's a Crisis," Globe and Mail (January 30, 2010).

"Aid Groups Pushed for Focus on Children at G8," Globe and Mail (January 27, 2010)

Pay for Peace?

As interested nation-states meet in London to discuss a way forward in Afghanistan, the proposal has been made to shift strategy; ideas now circulating advocate using economic incentives for the 'lower ranks' of the Taliban to drop their weapons.

What are the unstated assumptions behind this proposal? Is it something which ISAF and the I.R.A. should be doing?

Read the article in Britain's Independent newspaper January 27, 2010.

Doug Sanders of the Globe and Mail also reports. (29, January, 2010)

Watch the Globe and Mail's Talking to the Taliban online documentary

A Leader or Follower? What Makes An Effective Politician?

"In the end, confident and successful politicians lead, rather than simply follow, public opinion. They are not bound by prevailing social attitudes when devising policies, but help to shape them."

Read the January 25th article in Britain's Independent Newspaper to read the full argument.

a) To what extent do you agree with this assertion?
b) Can you develop a similar study with reference to politics in Canada? Use examples to support your position.

Negotiate Peace with Taliban? -- What Should Be Canada's Position?

Read the article in January 25th's edition of the Globe and Mail.

Consider the arguments for and against a negotiated settlement with the Taliban from
a) the realist perspective
b) the liberal idealist perspective

After 8 years of war, which perspective should Canada employ when considering this proposal?