Reflection on Cars and IR Theory

The simulation experience proved to be helpful in demonstrating how the different schools of thought of IR theory play a role in shaping policy.

The AIAM, the Consumer Federation of America, and GM channeled liberalism because of their arguments for lifting the tariff and opening up trade to foster cooperation among nations.

The Sierra Club channeled constructivism, as Scott pointed out, because of its argument that organizations should step in to protect the environment and keep the tariff in place. But also, the Sierra Club channeled constructivism to explain how China would react to the lifting of the tariff. Seeing China as a large manufacturing company (China's identity), the Sierra Club assumed that lifting the tariff on foreign manufactured cars would increase emissions from China's automobile manufacturing factories.

The UAW channeled realism; they were pessimistic in arguing lifting the tariff would eliminate their jobs and the automobile companies were only acting out of self interest in outsourcing jobs.