Please submit a paper of approximately 2000 words excluding references (about 8 pages double- spaced, one-inch margins with normal font and font size, such as Times New Roman 12 point) in which you apply some of the abstract concepts we have studied so far to a specific intelligence/policy case of your choice. The “nuts and bolts” of your case—i.e. names and dates—are important and should be included, but they should not be the focus of your paper. Of greater interest are the ways in which we can see how intelligence and policy interact—or sometimes don’t interact so well—in the real world. You can choose to take an approach that employs a macro-level approach, a micro-level approach, or anywhere in between. Ideally, your paper will address some of the main issues we are dealing with this semester. Here are some examples, but you are also free to choose your own guiding questions:
Untitled PICT 3012: Intelligence Policy Week 2: March 2, 2020 Case Study Guide Please submit a paper of approximately 2000 words excluding references (about 8 pages double- spaced, one-inch margins with normal font and font size, such as Times New Roman 12 point) in which you apply some of the abstract concepts we have studied so far to a specific intelligence/policy case of your choice. The “nuts and bolts” of your case—i.e. names and dates—are important and should be included, but they should not be the focus of your paper. Of greater interest are the ways in which we can see how intelligence and policy interact—or sometimes don’t interact so well—in the real world. You can choose to take an approach that employs a macro-level approach, a micro-level approach, or anywhere in between. Ideally, your paper will address some of the main issues we are dealing with this semester. Here are some examples, but you are also free to choose your own guiding questions: How did intelligence aid policymakers before and during the crisis/case? How do intelligence officers deal with the huge amount of information that comes in during a crisis and address the policymakers’ need for fast breaking analysis? The timely production of objective analysis and its appropriate use by the policymaker is critical during a crisis. What are some of the obstacles and barriers that led to intelligence and/or policy failures in your case? What could have been done differently—either in intelligence or policy or both—to change the outcome of the case? What would be the impact of the changes? But as long as your paper has a focus on the interaction between intelligence and policy, you will be meeting the requirements of the assignment. The case study is worth 30% of your final grade in the class and will be due no later than Sunday, March 29 at 11:59pm Sydney time. Note: You may work with others on this assignment. You can work with up to two other people if you wish, or you can work alone. If you are working with others, please make sure ALL names are on the assignment at the time of submission. You may hand in one paper, and one grade will be assigned for everyone in the group. Cases may focus on American intelligence or non-American services. Examples of potential topics include (but are not limited to): the Bay of Pigs Cuban Missile Crisis the Venona project Operation CHAOS COINTELPRO Iran-Contra Iraq/WMD aftermath the Berlin tunnel (Operation Gold) the overthrow of Mossadegh (Operation Ajax) Aldrich Ames Robert Hanssen Interrogation/use of black sites Extrajudicial killings (i.e. Awlaki) Tet Offensive, Vietnam, 1968 If you want to do a different case but aren’t sure whether it will work for this assignment, just run it past me. Research Tips: You’re expected to locate the relevant sources yourself. In addition to reading the main secondary sources, you should familiarize yourself with the key primary sources on the case (if applicable, memoirs, major public statements, etc.). Those with non-English language skills might consider choosing a case that allows them to use these skills. • Search for books and articles in the big databases: Google Scholar, JSTOR, EBSCO Host, WorldCat, etc. Lexis-Nexis is a good source for English-language newspaper articles. ProQuest is good for theses and dissertations. • Use the librarians! They are super knowledgeable and happy to help. • To find primary sources, a good place to check is the footnotes/bibliographies of secondary sources. Primary sources can include memoirs, interviews, court transcripts, propaganda videos, documentaries, and declassified documents. Note: you should never use classified documents that have been leaked (as opposed to documents that have been officially declassified, which you can feel free to use). • Some cases have had a LOT written about them. In order to keep yourself from getting overwhelmed by the amount of information, it can help to bound the paper by asking a specific question. Then you can limit your search just to items that inform that question. • By the same token, other cases have had less written about them. In this case, it can be helpful to start by seeing what’s out there, and then asking a question that the available materials can adequately answer. • Email me or come talk to me if you have questions. Good luck! Case Study Grading Rubric Introduction (10) Clear introduction of the case and approach (5) Clear outline of core argument and structure (5) Analysis (30) Quality and consistency of dealing with core arguments and handling of counterarguments (10) Critical reading of sources (i.e. demonstrating understanding of underlying assumptions, concepts, and methods) (10) Logical progression of argument and supporting thesis statement (10) Quality of Research (25) Appropriate diversity and number of sources (10) Proper citations (10) Works cited page (5) Structure and Expression (25) Clarity of writing, including sentence structure, grammar, spelling, and appropriate paragraphing (25) Presentation (10) Adheres to word count, +/- 10% (References do not count towards word count) (5) Meets requirements in unit guide (5) Total points: 100