This is a 600 word short policy brief. You are required to apply concepts and theories from IR to address a contemporary policy problem
You will need to focus on a specific problem or event, (examining the what, why and how and who) interrogate current policy and finally your proposed solution, written in such a way as to clearly flag how you are incorporating class concepts, ideas, and theories. This should be oriented toward a policymaker who does not have explicit knowledge of IR theory and concepts (e.g. do not write “realism/liberalism/ constructivism says X” but rather use ideas and concepts from the theories to make your case).
You will have to identify an issue area that you have interest in. This starts from a general area of interest and you narrow it down to a very specific area of concern. An effective policy brief must be focused enough on a narrow scope of actionable propositions. There is no point in addressing a broad area that cant be fixed with a policy recommendation.
An effective policy brief must propose a solution to a well-defined problem that can be addressed at the level of policy. Another type of brief should be able to provide a clear concise set of available options or alternatives for a policy maker to choose from.
Let me leave you with a simple example:
Covid 19 and scientific cooperation (General area of interest)
Ensuring scientific cooperation while safeguarding intellectual property of scientists (specific issue area)
From the course, i might draw from neo-liberalist thinking about norms and rules for cooperation, from constructivists i may draw from identity and social learning etc about collaboration etc.
