Category: Political Science

Based on the facts you have developed so far consider all of them, from who fights and how they were recruited, who is victimized, etc. you will assess the legal and ethical status of these decisions and actions by the group. 1/2 to 1 page.

• Were war crimes, as defined by international laws, committed by either side? Which laws were broken and by whom?
• Thinking back to the early readings in the quarter, was the violence legitimate (consider each side)? Who was it legitimate to?
• Even if laws were not broken, were norms broken?

Cite your sources. You may add additional sources as needed. Include the policymaker your memo targets and the date of the memo at the top.

This week (Week 6) we will read a different type of political analysis. The article offers a comparative analysis that helps look again at the two countries we have covered in depth so far: Haiti and Dominican Republic. The article relies on Democracy Studies and Comparative Politics type of analysis and frameworks,

Section A) Institutional Design and Political Culture

3) Elite Behavior: How does the behavior of the political and economic elites in both countries differ? Is Haitis instability a result of a “predatory state” mentality among its elite, or are they simply lacking the resources that the Dominican elite possess? Is this instability a product of its colonial past and neocolonial present?

Civil Society and Power: Sags argues that Haitian civil society only has leverage during crises. What structural barriers prevent Haitian social movements from translating “protest power” into “governing power” like their counterparts in the Dominican Republic?

The Impact of Intervention: Both nations have experienced significant international intervention (including US occupations). Why does Sags suggest that international aid and diplomacy seem to have “failed” in Haiti while helping solidify the status quo in the Dominican Republic?

British Politics in Uncertain Times. Assessment 2. Brief: You should write 2000 words (+/- 10%). The word count does not include the reference list. Answer 1 question from the list below. Some points to note for all the essay questions: You should use a range of primary sources and methods. You should use secondary academic sources from either the reading list or from your own research. The example case studies you use in your answer can come from the material covered in the lectures but they can also come from your own research

Assessment Brief 2 US Politics and Policy Assignment Two: Student Briefing Module: US Politics and Policy | Lecturer: Matthew Mokhefi-Ashton | Due: 17 April 2026 Overview This is a 3,000-word essay (10%), meaning a minimum of 2,700 words and a maximum of 3,300 words. Word count includes citations but excludes the reference list and diagrams. Submission deadline: 17 April 2026. The Task Critically apply and critique three theories of the policy process of your choosing. You cannot use the Stages Heuristic Model (SHM) choose any other three theories. Apply each theory to a different US policy (three policies in total). Compare the strengths and weaknesses of the three theories. For bonus marks: discuss how the three theories could be combined to provide a more holistic understanding of the policy process. Policy Selection Rules You cannot reuse a policy from your first assignment. You cannot use policies covered in lectures, seminars, or example work specifically: Not the Assault Weapons Ban of 1994 Not the Affordable Healthcare Act (2008) Choose something as contemporary as possible (but do not use executive orders). Recommended Structure and Word Counts Introduction 200 words Policy 1 introduction 200 words, followed by Diagram 1, then Critique 500 words Policy 2 introduction 200 words, followed by Diagram 2, then Critique 500 words Policy 3 introduction 200 words, followed by Diagram 3, then Critique 500 words Critical discussion (comparing all three theories) 400 words, followed by a new synthesising diagram Conclusion 300 words The essay is designed to be written section by section and then assembled do not try to write it all at once. What Each Policy Introduction Should Cover (200 words each) Identify the problem the policy was designed to solve. Identify the role of the Constitution in this policy area (if any). Identify the key formal and informal actors involved. Describe the policy solution developed. Explain how the policy was legitimised. Discuss whether the policy was a success or not. Use graphs, tables, or images to illustrate where helpful (do not go significantly over 200 words here as this section is mainly descriptive and carries fewer marks). Diagrams Produce all diagrams in PowerPoint (templates available in the NOW room), then paste into your Word document. Do not describe or explain how the theory works in your written critique a correct diagram demonstrates that understanding. Save your word count for the applied critique, not diagram description. What This Assignment Tests Knowledge and understanding of specific contemporary US policies. Knowledge of US political institutions and actors. Ability to apply theories of the policy process accurately. Ability to critique those theories in an applied context. Ability to synthesise theories into a new, holistic framework. Key Reading Theories of the Policy Process, Volumes 3 and 4 (available online through the library). Paul Cairney’s work on policy theories is also strongly recommended. Engage with the academic literature more substantially than in Assignment One. Practical Advice Aim to complete one diagram and critique per week to avoid last-minute pressure. Leave at least three weeks at the end for editing, proofreading, and checking references. Check every paragraph against the module learning outcomes. If a sentence does not contribute to a learning outcome, consider whether you need it. Speak to the lecturer about your diagrams and sections as you write them. Use Harvard referencing only.

Read from textbook: Lowenthal, Mark, Intelligence: From Secrets to Policy Chapter 11: The Intelligence Agenda: Nation-States Chapter 12: The Intelligence Agenda: Transnational Issues Read the Annual Threat Assessment of the US Intelligence Community chromeextension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/ Listen to: No Such Agency (NSA) Podcast: “Cybersecurity is National Security” (25:40 minutes) Links to an external site.(25:40 minutes) (Note: You can also access this podcast via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, You tube etc.) Article: “Russias Espionage War in the Arctic – Review all additional posted materials. Submit your Reflection Journal entry. / 1-2 pages Reflection is what allows an experience to transform into learning. In the Jesuit model embraced by Saint Louis University, reflection involves three phases: (a) returning to the experience, (b) connecting with the feelings, and (c) evaluating the experience. Keeping this in mind, think back on the topics we covered in this course. Write a brief reflection about how you will utilize (or have utilized) the concepts we covered. Are they applicable in your personal and professional life? Why do you think it is important to study this topic (strategic intelligence), and how can studying this topic help society as a whole? This reflection should be in the range of 500 – 600 words. Submit your weekly Discussion Board posts./ 1 Page Part A: Please select what you consider the most significant transnational issue at present, and what US intelligence agencies/assets are poised to tackle this threat with intelligence resources? Highlight specific parts of the intelligence cycle that could assist in this effort. Part B: What is one question you have after reviewing this week’s content?

summarize all the readings from the three classes of students choosing in Part I (i.e., Classes 2-14 below)

support the students summary of each reading above with at least one historical/contemporary case or with statistical data found in the reading

compare and contrast the readings key arguments

use each readings key argument to identify and then discuss at least one important point that is not discussed in the reading itself regarding any of the following: a historical case, a contemporary case, or a contemporary cases possible future development

discuss the shortcomings of at least one of the readings you have selected. Each response paper must be double spaced and no more than 1,500 words in length (text alone, excluding title). No references or citations are necessary as long as students are discussing the substance of their chosen weeks assigned readings, but sources should be identified if students discuss non-course sources to support their arguments.

Answer the following prompts.