Problem-Based Learning Exercise #1

Thinking Theoretically about International Organizations

POLS 324 - Fall 2004
Dr. Mark A. Boyer

Based on the theoretical/conceptual readings assigned for today, I want you to assess the value of the theoretical perspectives for structuring our thinking about IPE.  With this in mind, I would like you to meet in small groups for the first 20 minutes or so of class and then we'll return to the full group.  You might want to take a look at the following web-sites as "data" for your discussions.

• NAFTA

• European Union

• APEC

• OECD

• ASEAN

In thinking about the role of these organizations in contemporary IPE, please consider the following questions.  I will ask for some small group statement relating to these questions to be placed on the board after your group arrives at some sort of consensus (or lack thereof knowing this class...).

• do such organizations signal the growth of neomercantilism, as they work to promote private economic gains based on regional affinities?
• do such organizations fit with liberal models about movements toward supranational government and freer flowing international commerce?
• in what ways do such organizations help solidify or maintain dominance and dependence relationships within the world (or regional) political economy?
• is regionalism a postive or negative development in world affairs?  from what perspective(s)?