Author: admin

Each student will write one paper for this course of 2,000-2,500 words, not including “Works Cited”. The paper should be written in Times New Roman font with 2.0 line spacing, 1-inch margins on each side, and no extra spaces between each paragraph.
For this paper, you will choose one of the two topics presented below. You are expected to use outside research in addition to class material when you write this paper. I would encourage you to seriously consider the appropriateness of any source that you use. Peer-reviewed journal articles, newspapers, and government or think-tank reports are generally acceptable. You must use your best judgement for blog posts and magazines. If you have a source that you are unsure of, feel free to email it to me, and I will give my opinion.
You are expected to cite sources, both in text and in a “Works Cited” page at the end of the paper, for any facts, ideas, or quotes that come from an outside source. Failure to properly cite sources, even if done accidentally, may result in a violation of EKU’s academic integrity code, which can carry with it serious consequences.
Paper Topic #1
Of late, tensions between Iran and the United States have heightened considerably. For this paper you will write about foreign relations between the United States and Iran, focusing on how this relationship fits within the broader context of regional dynamics and the United States’ regional policy in the Middle East.
First, describe briefly the nature of the United States’ involvement in the Middle East. Who are its current allies and partners? Its opponents? What are the key components of its interests in the region, broadly speaking?
Second, give a background on the U.S.-Iran relationship. What interests are at stake?
Third, identify and describe two policy options available to the United States with respect to its Iranian relations (e.g., political and economic exclusion, militarized action, appeasement, stronger diplomatic ties, etc.). Fourth, drawing on the theories we’ve discussed in class as well as expert sources, explain why one of the policy options you present is a more likely option — and its implications.
Paper Topic #2 While the world economy, on average, has grown over the past decade, many countries have lagged behind the rest of the world in terms of economic development. In this paper, you will select a country with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita of below $5,000 (see link to World Bank data below) and discuss its challenges as well as opportunities for development.
First give a background to the country. What is its current level of economic development, recent history, form of government, etc.?
Second, discuss at least two specific reasons that the country has had difficulty with economic development. These may include war, lack of resources, the country’s factors of production, lack of education, corrupt government, history of colonization, or others.
Third, discuss the ways in which the United States has been involved, or not involved, in efforts to promote economic development in the country. Identify the interests that the United States has in the country. Then, identify at least two policy options for the United States, and make the case for the one that you think is best.
Fourth, describe what you anticipate to happen and defend your analysis using sources. Will the country improve in its development — if so, how and why — or will it remain underdeveloped?
See The World Bank’s GDP per capita data for information.