National Security

Objective
Gain understanding of the difference between theory and practice of the politics and government of the United States.
There are two options for this assignment, a research assignment or an analysis essay
1. Review U.S. Foreign Policy goals and actions
Using credible sources, fully inform on three U.S. national security events, current or historical with a summary
A national security event can be any of the following:
war, provocation, threat of the use of force, or use of force
a treaty, alliance, agreement, high-level talks, or meetings
supporting war or use of force for an ally through funding, weapons sales, technological support, etc
Summarize content including all important details
Current events, policy, historical events, or U.S. wars can be used
Summaries can be in paragraph form, memorandum/policy paper, or essay format.
Summaries should beapproximately 300-500 words each
A list of sources is below, or you can use other credible sources, or sources from the syllabus
US Mission to the United Nations https://usun.usmission.gov/ (Links to an external site.)
Defense News (private company) https://www.defensenews.com/ (Links to an external site.)
U.S. Department of Defense https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/releases/ (Links to an external site.)
U.S. Department of State https://www.state.gov/press-releases/ (Links to an external site.)
Then, analyze the event
include a quote from author Carl Von Clausewitz’ On Warthat relates to the summary
Use sections 2, 4, 11, 23, 24, 25 and/or 26 as the basis for analysis
approximately 100-200 words for analysis
use the author’s quote to help explain the summarized event
Notes
make use of quotes where necessary or supportive
if the national security event seems confusing, do additional research on the history and background of the organization or event
include your own thoughts in the analysis statement if you like
you can use the same quote from Clausewitz repeatedly
you can use any section of the handout (chapter 1)
Avoid plagiarism
(Links to an exter (Links to an external site.)
Assignment is graded on the structure, clarity of writing, and completeness of summaries
OR
2. Compose a full analysis essay on Carl Von Clausewitz’ On War
include two types of analysis
compare and contrast, argumentation, prescription, proscribe, etc. see “tools of analysis”
ideas can be internal analysis ,external analysis ,or one of each
Use sections 2, 4, 11, 23, 24, 25 and/or 26 as the basis for analysis
Essay is graded on structure, clarity of writing, and completeness of analysis
SAMPLE THESIS:
Clausewitz’ ideas are relevant for United States policy today. By investigating current national security topics such as ________, __________, and _________, it can be shown that there is a political object to war. Furthermore the political object will be related to larger U.S. foreign policy objectives. Lastly, a determination will be made if the conflicts and potential conflicts are emotionally driven or politically driven

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