Overview
You will write a 7-10 page analytical research paper on a contemporary (current or last ten years) intra-state conflict or post-conflict area (a case study). (Note: 7-10 pages means 7-10 text pages, as explained in more detail later in this document.) You will address a research question to better understand a policy problem and the relationship, if any, of inequalities to conflict / peace-building in this location (i.e. case study) of choice. You will incorporate a theoretical concept or construct into a thesis statement that will drive the argument of your paper. You will support your argument with evidence (qualitative and/or quantitative data) from the course readings and other reputable sources. The case study location and policy problem must be approved by Prof. O’Brien (to check for the contemporary status, diversity of choices among the students, and the feasibility of your location and policy problem of interest for a semester-long research project). Your final paper should be improved and edited through several revisions.
Choose a contemporary (current or last ten years) intra-state armed conflict or post-conflict zone as a case study (i.e. a location to research) for this paper. Conflict in this course refers to armed conflict between state actors (i.e. government actors) and/or non-state actors. Your case study should be on intra-state conflict (or post-conflict) to best utilize the course readings and gain a more effective case study research experience in one semester. The best papers in an undergraduate semester-long course have been on one case study (vs. two or more case studies) that allow you to dig deep into your case and data.
Choose a (draft) research question (or hypothesis) to better understand a policy problem and the relationship, if any, of inequalities to conflict / peace-building in this location (i.e. case study) of choice. A research question may have different possible answers, and you will investigate what is the finding(s) for your case study location. Draw from the course reading topics to assist you with developing a research question, because you will need to cite course readings in addition to non-course readings for this paper. You will address a research question to better understand a policy problem and the relationship, if any, of inequalities to conflict / peace-building in this location (i.e. case study) of choice.
The thesis/Research I have chosen: Terrorism within Iraq, is a leading cause that exacerbates armed conflict within the region. This then further increases human insecurities due to ideological and religious differences within the different ethnic groups as well as intergovernmental corruption.