10% FP Presidential decision summary (March 8) – Students will submit a 2-4 page, single-spaced memo outlining the country and a brief history of US foreign policy to the country. They should also discuss two US presidential-level decisions in the post-WWII era that resulted in significant events in that country. Students will also provide an initial bibliography of sources consulted. See additional documentation for an example outline.
Each event must involve a presidential decision and activity within the executive branch of government. Congressional actions with foreign policy implications are not acceptable topics unless the president and executive branch were actively working with Congress to craft and implement the legislation.
The 9/11/01 attacks would not be an appropriate topic because the US government did not have a decision-making role in that event. However, the decision to invade Afghanistan would be an appropriate event because President Bush had to decide what action to take in the wake of 9/11.
The country would be Afghanistan, and a second event, such as the US decision to arm the mujahedeen during the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan in the 1980s, would have to be selected.
Decisions should be presented chronologically
Decision #1 (Arming Mujahedeen in 1980s)
Decision #2 (Invasion of Afghanistan in 2001)
A bibliography of possible sources must also be included. See Turabian or Chicago style manual for citation tips.
The paper may be written in a memo/outline style, though full sentences and paragraphs should be used as appropriate. An abbreviated (sample) outline is available on Blackboard.
Blank Outline
Country
Brief history with US
Decision #1 (including President and date)
Government and non-government actors involved in decision-making process (Include heads of major players such as State, Defense, Treasury, CIA, NSA, etc. as appropriate)
Disagreements within the policy-making community prior to a decision/opponents to the plan
What alternatives were provided to the president besides the option he eventually selected?
What action was actually taken? (Provide details)
How did the decision affect US/Country relations?
Decision #2 (including President and date)
Government and non-government actors involved in decision-making process (Include heads of major players such as State, Defense, Treasury, CIA, NSA, etc. as appropriate)
Disagreements within the policy-making community prior to a decision/opponents to the plan
What alternatives were provided to the president besides the option he eventually selected?
What action was actually taken? (Provide details)
How did the decision affect US/Country relations?
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