PS 321: International Politics
Analytic Policy Memo #2
DUE: Monday, October 22, 2012
Over the course of the semester, you will have four short writing assignments in the
form of two-page analytic policy memos. The point of these assignments is to give
you the opportunity to apply the theoretical frameworks and historical precedents
we have been discussing in class to contemporary real world policy challenges. It is
also intended to give you experience writing in a format and style that is a little bit
different from typical college assignments, but closer to what will be demanded of
you in your professional life. Thus, the assignments are short, but your memos
should be extremely clear, articulate, and persuasive.
In the memo, you should make use of concepts and cases we have discussed in class
to analyze a contemporary global challenge and provide concrete policy
recommendations for what you think should be done to address the challenge. It is
imperative that you provide your own opinion, backed by compelling evidence and
logical reasoning. You need not conduct extensive research for this assignment and
citations are not necessary.
A few pointers for your writing:
1) Use your first paragraph to articulate exactly what the problem is, what you
are proposing as a solution, and why. This should take no more than 3-4
sentences.
2) Have a clear roadmap for how you are going to present your argument after
your introduction. I recommend describing the problem, applying some type
of framework for analysis (the levels of analysis, the 3 I’s, or some relevant
historical examples), and then arguing why this analysis should lead one to
arrive at your conclusion. You may also wish to dedicate some time to
addressing potential counter-arguments.
3) Format: Your memo should be single spaced, but I highly recommend making
ample use of subheaders, white space, and potentially even bullet points.
Make it easy to read and to understand your argument even by skimming.
Do not exceed 2 pages in length under any circumstances! (This document is
a good example of what your memo should look like.)
All memos must be submitted via Dropbox by the start of class on the date due. I
highly recommend writing your memo in advance of the due date so as to give
yourself time to edit and revise. I highly encourage students to visit the writing
center. In past semesters, students who have taken advantage of this resource have
consequently written superior papers!
Your memo will be graded on the following criteria:
1. Introduction: Do you have a clear, concicse, and compelling introduction
and title that catch the reader’s attention, explain the problem you are
addressing, and state your proposed solution? (20 points) (includes title!)
2. Theory: Do you demonstrate an authoritative knowledge of the relevant
theoretical concepts and arguments? (e.g. define the different types of peace
operations and their advantages and disadvantages) (20 points)
3. Argument: Do you present a clear argument and use evidence and logical
reasoning to show why it is superior to alternatives? Do you make clear
policy recommendations based on this argument? Do you discuss the further
implications or potential drawbacks to the policies you propose? (20 points)
4. Organization: Does your memo follow a logical and well-organized
structure? Does each paragraph have a topic sentence? Does the format of
your memo guide your reader to the most important points? (20 points)
5. Writing Style: Is your memo free from any spelling, typographical, or
grammatical errors? Is your writing style clear and concise? (20 points)
While this is not technically a writing intensive course, improving your ability to
write clearly and concisely about policy issues is one of the most important
elements of this class. To further encourage you to work at refining your writing
craft, I will give you the opportunity to revise and resubmit any memo up until the
last day of class for an improved grade.
Topics for Memo #2 (choose one of the following)
1. Conflict as a Dilemma: Pick an issue in contemporary international affairs
that you think can be explained by one of the “dilemmas” we discussed in
class (Security dilemma, prisoners dilemma, chicken, stag hunt). For your
theory section, apply the dilemma framework to the problem: what is the
optimal outcome for each side? What is the worst possible outcome? How do
these compare to the outcomes if the sides both cooperate or if the sides both
cheat? Then for the recommendations section, offer advice as to what one or
both parties could/should do to overcome the dilemma and reach an optimal
outcome? How can they help ensure that the other side won’t cheat?
Some recommended current issues to explore are:
1) US missile defense (as a security dilemma)
2) Space weaponization or cyberwarfare
3) Pollution/Co2 Emissions
4) Tarriff/trade policy
5) Any topic of your choosing
2. Paradigms for the 21st Century: What is the best model through which we
should view international relations in the 21st century? Is international
politics always the same with states as the primary actors and conflict
between them inevitable? Have we moved into an era of potential
permanent peace? Or will there continue to be conflict, but ethnic and
religious identities will be the new source of conflicts rather than imbalances
of power? In your theoretical section, describe three possible visions for the
future of world politics. At least two should be drawn from the paradigms
presented in Week 7, but one may be an original idea of your own. For all
three, you should be clear as to who the primary actors are, what types of
interests motivate these actors, and the prospects for conflict and
cooperation. In your policy recommendation, make the case for which
scenario you think is most likely, and offer advice for how the US,
international community (or any specific actor) should best prepare for such
a world.