As part of my political science degree, I was required to take a course on political theory, to understand the foundations of political thought throughout history and how those shape modern politics. I chose a course on the Roots of Political Thought, exploring political philosophers from Plato to Locke to Rousseau. My final paper in this class focused on the political theories that have guided American policies since its foundation and how that has shaped the nation's stance and role in the world today.