1. What policy differences distinguished the Neo-conservatives from the Neo-Realists of American Foreign policy in after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991? What did Neo-Conservatives mean by a "uni-polar world? What did " neo-realists" like Joseph Nye mean by "soft power" as opposed to " hard power?" How did the "Neo-cons" shape American security policy during the Bush administration? At what cost to American power and influence by their wars in Afghanistan and Iraq? How successful has President Obama been in restoring American international standing as a law-abiding member of the International Community since 2008? How have they changed and expanded the War on Terror begun after 09/11? In how many countries are US Special Forces and Drone aircraft now at war? Why does Jeremy Scahill argue that this war can never end?
2. Many observers argue that income inequality has grown dramatically in the US over the past thirty years. Who has gained? Who has lost? Why has the upper 5% of American households made out so well? How much of the national income and wealth now goes to the top 1%? How does Richard Wolff explain the decline in Working class wages? Why do Hacker and Pierson want us to look at the top 0.1 of households (top 99.9%) to understand the full extent of income in equality in America? What if anything, can government do to undo what it already has done to make class inequality deeper? Do you believe that people should have a fair chance in a social competition or a fair share of basic public goods? Should we do anything to alter market outcomes in income distribution, or leave well enough alone? What would a Conservative like Ron Paul argue? Or a Liberal like Robert Reich? And what about you?