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1. Explain the importance of the treaty of Westphalia for international relations. What significant concepts and principles informed this treaty? What notable changes in international relations did the treaty signal or set in motion? Discuss how contemporary international relations might be different (or not) without the treaty of Westphalia, and provide support for your answer.
The treaty of Westphalia has finished the process of evolution from medieval society to sovereign territorial states. It was signed in1648. This treaty is the symbol of the end if Thirty Years’ War, and it is often considered as the start of the international system.
It has defined the most important characteristics of the sovereign state, although I should note that the principles of the international relations were defined later.
The major development of the Westphalia treaty was the power-balancing system that included around six powerful states that formed an alliance and there was a guarantee of the integrity of each participating state’s territory. There was a principle that the members of treaty of Westphalia have no right to conquer each other.
In my opinion, this treaty had a great impact on the history of the Europe since 15th century; among its advantages was establishing the peace in the Europe, which was like the start of new era.
The importance of Westphalia agreements is accepted by the majority of modern historians. I could presume that without it the territories of many states could differ from the ones that they have today. Also the whole international system might be different without this treaty and its principles: equality between the states, non-intervention to the internal affairs of the other state and of course sovereignty (the right of the state for self determination).

2. Is liberalism idealistic? Why or why not? Review the basic tenets of liberalism in this context, including in your response what you would change about liberalism (if you could or why the perspective requires no improvements).
The importance of liberty and equal rights are the major concepts of the liberalism. It is considered to be the dominant ideology of our time.
Yes, I agree that liberalism has a kind of idealistic nature, because of its origins. It has started in the ancient China as the counterpoint to realism.
When we think about the elements of liberalism such as democracy, human rights, free elections and free thinking, these values remind us that it’s quite idealistic approach. Personally I have a pro-liberal position and I respect the liberalism, especially it’s rational side.
If some aspects in liberalism are needed to be changed, I’d add some elements of realism into it, for a balance. I doubt that the markets should be self-regulated. Taking into account the modern situation with the world economy, I think that markets have to be carefully and thoroughly managed for the success and stability of all countries.
Also I suppose that the realism is right regarding the nature of international system, which is presumed as chaos and anarchy.
3. “Realism is not realistic”. Construct an argument that either defends or criticizes this statement. In your response, include a review of realism’s basic assumptions, and offer an interpretation of a current international event that supports your position.
I support the idea that realism is realistic; especially it’s appropriate when we’re talking about the conflicts in the modern world. The major principle of realism ‘balance of power’ is still a vital condition of international relations, it’s still relevant.
The realism’ views on the power and state are important to mention in this context. It’s crucial that realism analyses the politic of power. It insists that military capabilities of the state form the power and the role of the certain state in the world.
It may be considered ‘state centric’ concept, because this concept focuses on the important role of the sovereign territorial states in the international relations.
Another point of view that I share with realism is that according to realism, “anarchy”, i.e. absence of the central authority, is very harmful and destroying.
As an example of realism that is realistic, I could mention the situation in the modern Palestine. It’s one of the current international problems and mainly it is a problem because there is no central power, or balance of power on Palestinian territories.
Other example is international terrorism that attempt terrorist attacks in order to affect state behavior. Despite these attacks, we may predict that military capabilities of the states will be improving to secure the citizens of these states.