POL 208 Fall 2022

Short Paper Prompt:

Of the following three issues – nationalism, great power conflict, or nuclear weapons – which
one do you think poses the greatest threat to global stability in the near future?

Pick one of the three issues, and defend your choice using specific examples and arguments
from the readings and lectures. You do not need to draw on outside sources. You should justify
your choice, but also explain why you consider the other two issues less threatening. Keep in
mind that this is an argument meant to persuade, and does not actually have to represent your
personal beliefs.

The paper should not be a simple summary of different readings. Instead you should make a
clear argument, and then use the course materials to probe that argument. Drawing
connections and highlighting tensions between various authors will be especially helpful.
The paper should be 1000-1200 words in length, including the bibliography. Standard
formatting applies - 12-point font, double-spaced, 1” (2.5 cm) margins. Your TAs may request
Microsoft Word versions to verify word length.
The paper is due through Quercus by midnight on November 25th. The paper must be
submitted on time in order to avoid a late penalty. The penalty for a paper turned in after the
stated deadline will be 4 percent per day. This includes holidays and weekends. Yes, it adds up
quickly. Extensions will only be granted with good reason, and only with permission of the Head
TA in advance of the due date. Having work responsibilities or multiple assignments/exams in
other classes are not adequate reasons.