2500 words (including footnotes) + Chicago style
The extent to which China presents a threat to the US and whether or not China can ‘rise peacefully’ is a topic of debate within realism and security studies.
1) Always make sure you have a clearly defined and spelled out BLUF/thesis. Whilst writing essay is no mathematical formula, you could use expressions such as “This essay argues/demonstrates/illustrates…”, providing a clear answer to question/thesis/point from the very beginning.
2) Scope/de-scope your argument: i.e. what are you doing/not doing and why?
3) Define key terms and concepts
4) Highlight the parameters – these are the elements/factors/tools that you use to demonstrate your points
5) Substantiate your argument with concrete examples, facts, numbers, stats, quotes and other things that prove your point
6) Include counterarguments that show critical take
7) Use sources that illustrate the main debates/theories in the field. In doing so, please bring big authors into the text, showing familiarity with the readings
8) Make sure sources are updated – if you use historical sources, it’s fine to go back in time, but, whenever possible, try to use more recent pieces of work
9) Write in simple, plain English – no big words
10) Linear structure that signposts your claims and premises – i.e. guide the reader, tell us what you wish to do.