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Regardless of how many academic books and journal articles are assigned in an undergraduate class in a given semester, some students will likely spend more time watching reality television than reading. Recent reality television shows include such programs as Rock of Love Bus, on which an aging rocker searches for "love" on an alcohol-fueled rock-and-roll tour, and Wife Swap, on which the mothers of two polar opposite families trade places, often resulting in cursing, temper tantrums, and mayhem. Educators may bemoan such programming and the priorities of some students who are more interested in the results of I Love Money than the results of the midterm congressional elections.
Taken at face value, not much can be learned from reality television. Lurking beneath the surface, however, are lessons about the political world. Most reality television shows involve strategic competition. In some such as Survivor and Big Brother, contestants are eliminated through the ballot box. Both shows generally involve individuals forming coalitions or alliances, campaigning, bargaining, and making decisions strategically. Casual viewers likely do not often make connections between the "politics" of reality television and the politics of national, state, and local government. By pointing out to students how political processes operate in reality television shows, however, it may be possible to turn otherwise mindless viewing into instructive learning and draw typically reluctant participants into class discussion.
This article examines two political phenomena--alliance behavior and strategic voting--and discusses how they can be introduced in the classroom through reference to popular culture. Once an instructor has caught the attention of his or her audience, he or she can then delve into the intricacies of academic arguments that reach far beyond what can be observed by watching the strategic interplay of reality television show contestants. Initially presenting material to undergraduate students in relation to something that is accessible and familiar, however, increases the likelihood that students will be interested in and willing to engage with course material.
Alliances: Balancing Power, Balancing Threat, and Bandwagoning
Do states balance power, balance threat, or bandwagon? Such a question is likely addressed in most introductory courses on international relations and courses on international conflict. Although concepts such as balancing and bandwagoning are relatively straightforward,...