Should be given.

This assignment has the student placed in a role as U.S. (or another foreign country) strategic analyst
leading to a critical assessment of a current strategic situation around the world. The student must
choose a current (not necessarily violent) conflict (one no later than 1979 that did not conclude on
peaceful terms or has deteriorated) or a current issue around the world.
CONTENT FORMAT—The conflict or issue should include the following:
I. You, as a junior analyst are to submit key background information:
• Who is involved
• What is the state of the current situation
• Where (if applicable)
• Why this situation or issue is important to the country you have chosen in strategic terms
II. You are then tasked to give the policymaker information on how the situation came to be in
its present form (e.g., a concise background/history of the issue: actors involved / specific events
/ or critical decisions made, and perhaps policy errors that resulted in a terrible strategy—how
can it/they be corrected?).
III. Then in the last couple of paragraphs, write of a possible recourse or change in policy(ies) that
can be implemented to (not necessarily resolve but to) enhance the country’s strategic position
surrounding the issue.
IV. Finally, based upon your possible alternative strategies and/or suggestions (peace
efforts/sanctions/military deployment/use of diplomatic measures), a final recommendation
should be given. This recommendation should highlight why this might be the best strategic
decision for the country’s national security.
REPORT FORMAT
• 3-4 (max) page double-spaced (Font 11/12)
• Follow outline above
• Sources—These briefing or reports tend not to have annotations (footnotes / endnotes).
However, since I must ensure that the report is accurate and from credible sources, at
minimum, please add a small bibliography or works cited page using the APA or Chicago-style
format.
• Deadline: Monday 28 NOV at 11:59pm on Canvas via Turnitin
Examples of strategic conflict topic[s] may include _______________ (your country of choice)
overall strategy towards:
• Ukraine vis-à-vis Russia
• Russia and its Interventionist’ activities
• China and its Projection of Power (in all areas around the world)
• Taiwan vis-à-vis China
• South China Sea vis-à-vis China
• Libya
• Syria
• Yemen
• Somalia
• Israel
• Arctic Sea
Examples of strategic issue topic[s] may include _______________ (your country of choice)
overall strategy towards:
• Arctic drilling
• Nuclear proliferation
• Cybersecurity
• Immigration
• Space
• NATO