Theories of Diplomacy Educational Resources K12 Learning, World, History Lesson Plans, Activities, Experiments, Homeschool Help

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

Renaissance writer Niccolo Machiavelli famously said, "It is better to be feared than loved, if you cannot be both."

What does he mean by that?
Can you apply it to your personal life?

Now, think about the life of nations. Write down your thoughts on the following questions.

What does this idea mean if applied to the relationships between countries?
Do you think America should be feared by those who do not love it?
What makes you think the way you do?

You have already begun developing your theory about diplomacy and international relations!

Can you imagine attending a professional sports match without preparation?

That would be a recipe for disaster and maybe lasting bodily damage.

Diplomats prepare a great deal for their game, learning about the languages, the cultures, and the people with whom they will engage. Above all, they need to know the history of the ideas behind diplomacy.

As you read about the Theories of International Relations, summarize the descriptions for each of the following in your own words.

Realism
Liberalism
Constructivism
Neo-Marxism
Feminism

If you need help understanding and summarizing these theories, watch the video below.

Then, reflect on these questions.

What motivates the governments of the world?
What motivates our government?
Which of these theories of international relations seems to be the most reasonable? Why do you think so?

Diplomats prepare themselves by carefully studying theories like these. They use these theories to try to predict the actions and responses of other countries and the most effective actions for their country to take.

This is the playbook in the enormous game of international relations!

Move to the Got It? section to try your hand at diplomacy!