Cultural Understanding Matters in Counterinsurgency Operations

Cultural Understanding Matters in Counterinsurgency Operations Order Description Focus of Paper 1. Address the Research Question: Avoid story-telling; Avoid describing facts; Analyse & Assess a chosen case-study 2. Make the distinction between First & Second Order Thinking: “Why address this?” (First Order); “How do I go about addressing this?” (Second Order) 3. Define key terms & concepts: No need for literature review - but demonstrate ‘reason why’ behind working definition 4. Make a clear argument: Advocate a position supported by evidence & examples - Avoid story-telling 5. Make a policy recommendation (if necessary): Advocate a position – What is your position? Why are you pushing for this? How will it work? How to Structure Your Term Paper 1. Introduction: a. ‘Lead’ your reader to destination; b. Lay out key issues associated with research question & define key terms c. Explain approach; explain choice of case studies 2. Main Body: a. Start making you ‘sales-pitch’; b. Build your ‘sales-pitch’ in a clear, logical flow: organise your thoughts into clear sections; sub-sections; paragraphs; c. Weigh evidence and consider different positions: but take a position 3. Conclusion - Final analysis NOT summary: a. Amplify your main argument; make final recommendation(s); b. Final points on issues that may need further consideration/research