Problem
Changes in the natural environment affect political systems; that is increasingly becoming clear as we look ahead to future of the United States and the international political system in which it resides. The current Westphalian international political system locates real power (i.e., sovereignty) at the national level, which means major countries like the U.S., China, Russia, India and Japan will significantly determine the human response to the new challenges of the new epoch. Transnational organizations like the European Union and the United Nations will play a role as well. Your final assignment asks you to consider and briefly respond to questions surrounding this topic. The assignment asks you to read a short article to frame the discussion and respond to the following questions:
a) What problems will the the U.S. face in the Anthropocene Epoch?
b) Assuming the descriptions of the epoch are accurate, how do you think the foreign policy of the U.S. should proceed in reaction?
c) Finally, assess how likely the international political system and the U.S. government will be able to react to the changes foreseen in the article.