Session 6 Discussion: What is the conflict, and who benefits?

Take a current news story about a political or economic dispute. Map the stakeholders: Who are all the parties involved? What does each one want? Who benefits most from the current situation?

Try to use: stakeholder, interest, beneficiary, power, influence

Is international diplomacy ever truly cooperative — or is it always a zero-sum competition? Give an example from current events to support your view.

Try to use: zero-sum, alliance, leverage, geopolitics, realpolitik

Lobbying is legal in many democracies. Is there an ethical difference between lobbying by a citizens' group and lobbying by a corporation? Should lobbying be restricted?

Try to use: lobby, influence, vested interest, rent-seeking, transparency

Sanctions are imposed to change a government's behavior. Do they work? Who do they actually hurt — the government, or the people?

Try to use: sanction, leverage, consequence, beneficiary, geopolitics

The phrase 'cui bono — who benefits?' is often used to expose hidden motives. Can it be misused? Can 'follow the money' lead to incorrect conclusions?

Try to use: cui bono, follow the money, motive, vested interest, credibility

Think of a current international conflict. Is it best described as zero-sum — or could all sides benefit from a resolution? What would that resolution require?

Try to use: zero-sum, stakeholder, alliance, leverage, soft power