The technical features of the assignment include: Between 2-3 full pages (double

The technical features of the assignment include:
Between 2-3 full pages (double spaced) + An annotated bibliography containing at least 5 peer-reviewed sources
Times new Roman, 12 point font
Saved and submitted as a Microsoft Word document or pdf
Complies with McMaster’s standards on academic integrity
Turnitin will be used for this Assignment.
You will be writing a research paper this semester. The paper proposal is the first step in that process.
Choose a research question that is related to comparative politics/international relations (some example questions are listed below). Why is your question worth exploring: Does it touch on an important public policy issue? Is the topic one where experts disagree? What is your strategy for answering your research question: What variables are you going to focus on and why? What case will you be looking at and why? If you are using the comparative method, what countries are you comparing and why?
Your proposal should include 5 peer reviewed academic sources. For each source include a short (1 or 2 paragraphs) summary of the main argument (in your own words) and explain how that argument relates to your specific research question.
The proposal should be between 2-3 full pages in length (double-spaced) – plus the annotated bibliography. It should be submitted to the appropriate Assignment drop box by February 5 at 11:30pm.
Remember: The paper proposal is the roadmap for your research paper – the plan for your larger project rather than an anticipated summary of your research conclusions (see the Course Guide for additional guidance on this assignment).
You can choose any research topic that is connected to international relations or comparative politics. I have included some of the topics that were investigated in previous years in the bulleted list below. Use these questions for inspiration if necessary – but develop your own final research question. In fact, some of the questions listed below are too broad for the purposes of this assignment:
What factors explain the recent emergence of ‘populist’ regimes in liberal- democratic states?
Using a case study from the realm of either environmental, trade, or security policy, is the foreign policy of “populist” governments fundamentally different than the foreign policy of “non-populist” governments?
Does a policy commitment to “free trade” increase or decrease a state’s prospects for development? Why or why not?
Has globalization ended?
Women have been more successful at winning elected office in some countries
than in others. What explains the relative level of electoral success/failure?
Is nuclear proliferation a global security threat?
Is American power in decline? If so, what effect is this likely to have on the
international system?
Why does the international community forcefully intervene in some humanitarian
emergencies but not in others?
What role (if any) has the International Criminal Court played in protecting global human rights?
Do international economic sanctions work?
Is the World Bank an agent for development or underdevelopment?
Does the Paris Agreement offer a robust solution to global warming? Why or why
not?
Does state power and national self-interest explain the global response to the
COVID pandemic?
What factors were responsible for the outbreak of war between Russia and
Ukraine in 2022?
Select one major International Organization within the UN System. What role do
non-governmental organizations play in that organization.
Has the “Responsibility to Protect” had a meaningful impact on global political
outcomes?
Select one 21st century conflict where UN Peacekeepers were deployed. What
effect did the peacekeeping operation have on the resolution of that conflict?
Select an international organization or a recent case/event/conflict/treaty that you
want to study in greater detail. Which variables/actors/structures (domestic and/or international) explain that case/event/organization/conflict/treaty?
Please note: This assignment is crucial to your success in writing the major research paper. It will allow your TA to provide you with feedback on your initial ideas, and guidance going forward. Furthermore, your final research paper will not be accepted if you do not first submit a paper proposal.