Introduction to International Relations
Policy Memo Instructions This class will introduce you to a number of pressing problems in international relations. This assignment is an opportunity for you to apply the concepts and theories you will learn and propose a solution to a global issue that interests you. You will sign up for one of the topics provided to the class and identify a current issue that falls under that topic. The issue you identify can be specific (e.g., North Korean nuclear program, US-China trade relations, Malawian development) or general (e.g., nuclear proliferation, world trade, development). Your policy memo should contain three general components.
1. First, describe the issue you plan to address, providing any relevant facts. This component should also explain why the global community should be concerned about the issue.
2. Second, use the class material to explain the factors that are causing the issue. You should draw on the interests, interactions, and institutions framework introduced in the textbook to construct this explanation.
3. Lastly, based on the explanation presented in the previous component, propose a clearly articulated policy that can address or improve the problem. Be sure to anticipate objections the relevant actors may have to the proposal and explain why the proposed policy is preferable to obvious alternatives.
