Imagine you are an analyst from the US Department of State based in Yemen. Write a briefing paper outlining three policy options the USA could pursue to facilitate stability and security in Yemen over the next five years. Make a recommendation of which of these options is most preferable including detailed reasoning for your choice.
In completing this assignment, you must remember to:
Keep in mind the perspective of the United States
Adhere to the USA’s general policies towards the region
Be realistic about what the USA and its allies would be willing to undertake from a foreign and domestic point of view. (e.g. recommending a full scale invasion of Yemen would be unrealistic.)
A traditional essay style is not required for this assignment, though you must still provide evidence for your arguments and you should present your briefing paper in an appropriately formal style.
1.Word length must be strictly observed (3000 words). (This total does not include your bibliography and a ±10% margin is acceptable.)
2.You should use at least ten sources and cite them.
3.Use the Oxford system of referencing with footnotes For assistance with Oxford referencing, see http://www.deakin.edu.au/current-students/study-support/study-skills/handouts/oxford-docnote.php
3.Use direct quotations sparingly, and seek to outline ideas in your own words.The use of other authors’ ideas or words without acknowledgement (plagiarism) is unacceptable and will result in a failure for this piece of assessment.
4.The paper must be well structured; introduce, outline, and conclude a consistent argument that directly answers the question you are investigating.
5.Each paper must include a bibliography.
Please submit your paper as a Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx) document. (Other software such as Apple’s Pages word processor cannot be read by the TurnItIn plagiarism system and are therefore not acceptable.)
NOTE:
There is no specific format for a briefing paper. You will see from the DFAT link below that even within the same organisation there can be differences in the way an analyst puts together a briefing. You may use sections, sub-headings and bullet points. You may even use graphical objects such as charts and graphs. However, be sparing with these, because ultimately we want you to produce a piece of persuasive writing, not a monthly sales report.
The tone of the briefing paper should be formal. Remember, this briefing paper may end up before the Secretary of State or even the President.
Some Examples:
http://www.dfat.gov.au/publications/catalogue/pub_bycountry.html
An example from another unit This was submitted by a student in AIE364 last year and received a High Distinction. The link is below copy and paste.
https://d2l.deakin.edu.au/content/enforced/212076-AIE255_TRI-1_2014/briefing%20paper%20student.pdf?_&d2lSessionVal=DxPxpYwBfvOzwNFnuMsf7S0a1&ou=212076
Use the Oxford system of referencing with footnotes For assistance with Oxford referencing, see http://www.deakin.edu.au/current-students/study-support/study-skills/handouts/oxford-docnote.php
Each paper must include a bibliography
Refer to the upload materials for examples.
