Select one of the following essay questions, and write an essay of 3000 words, including citations, excluding the reference list:

1. Whose (or what type of) ‘security’ matters most in contemporary world politics? Discuss with reference to at least one case study and two theories of world politics.

2. Who offers the more compelling account of world politics? Realists, liberals or neither? Discuss with reference to realism and liberalism, and to at least three of the topics or issues examined on this module.

3.World politics are presently – and will always be – defined by ‘core / periphery’ relationships. Critically evaluate this claim with reference to at least two case studies and one theory of world politics.

4. Which of the following poses the biggest threat to peace and stability in contemporary global politics: violence and armed conflict, global health, global migration, or global inequality?

5. ‘An understanding of gender is essential to better explaining the most important issues in contemporary world politics.’ Critically assess this statement with reference to at least two theories of world politics and to at least one of the following: violence/conflict, migration, global poverty.

6. How do the concepts of ‘voice’ and ‘agency’ contribute to a better understanding of world politics? Discuss with reference to at least two theories of world politics and to either migration, poverty/inequality, or security?

What you need to do

Write a comprehensive answer to one of the above questions. This must include the following:

1. A clear answer to the question (thesis), this should already be apparent in your introduction, and likely repeated in your conclusion.

2. Your introduction should summarise your essay’s main arguments or claims (justification). These main arguments should then be used to structure the main body of your essay (e.g. one paragraph for each main argument). Think of your introduction as a roadmap for your reader, in terms of what they can expect from the logical development of your essay, all in service of your central thesis.

3. In the main body of your essay, develop your arguments clearly and coherently, dealing with each one in turn.

5. You might find it helpful to use sub-headings for each of the main arguments you develop. Make sure that at each step you make reference to how this particular claim or argument helps you to justify the central thesis of your essay.

6. For each of your arguments, provide detailed evidence (support), either through empirical examples or through reference to the literature.

7. Apply the theoretical ideas and concepts learned over the course of the module wherever relevant, demonstrating your knowledge of them.

8. Be analytical and critical: demonstrate that you have the ability to analyse and evaluate the existing literature. Remember that with this essay you are participating in an ongoing academic debate on this particular topic. Making sure to always support your claims with evidence (‘show’ the reader, rather than simply ‘tell’ them something).

9. Reference a minimum of 10 sources for this essay, 3 of which should appear on the relevant module resource lists (uploaded and can be used as references expect for those who are titled handouts, please do not use the handout material as reference in your research) (with others discovered during the course of your own independent research). The above is the minimum required number of sources you should actively engage with in your essay.

10. Include in-text citations (Harvard Style) and a reference list.

Essays should not exceed 3000 words including in-text citations (excluding reference list).

While you will likely begin your research using the uploaded handouts (please do not use the handout material as reference in your research)