Tutor profile: Sarah B.

Create a thesis statement based on the following question: What is the best ice cream flavor and why?

Despite claims of its boring nature, vanilla is the best ice cream flavor because it is widely available, consistent, and easily made dairy-free.

Why do states go to war, even though it is a costly endeavor and seemingly irrational in many cases?

There are many theories of war onset, but the common explanations are (1) balance of power politics, (2) power transitions, (3) economic interdependence, (4) diversionary factors, (5) domestic coalitions, and (6) the nature of decision-making under risk and uncertainty.

How would constructivist theory explain why states choose to uphold human rights in international relations?

Constructivism privileges the influence of norms, so constructivist theory would explain a state's decision to uphold human rights through a normative lens. Essentially, states uphold human rights because the international system has socialized them to do so. What it means to be a "good state" according to the behavior of major powers and institutions is to protect the rights of citizens; thus states are pressured to comply with the international human rights regime.