Sociology Question

Description

Analytic Essay #1 Assignment Instructions

Assignment Overview:

In this essay, you will apply the rational actor framework to analyze the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. You will explore why the conflict has drawn on longer than many anticipated, examining the strategic calculations made by Russia, Ukraine, and their leaders. Your analysis should also consider how external actors have influenced the situation, as well as other possible key factors.

Essay Prompt:

Using the rational actor framework, why do you think the war between Russia and Ukraine has lasted longer than many expected? What might be some of the key strategic decisions both Russia and Ukraine (and their leaders) are making that could explain why the conflict hasn’t ended yet? What other factors are important for understanding why the war has persisted? In your analysis, think about the interests, actions, and possible mistakes of both countries, as well as the possible role of outside actors in affecting the course the conflict.

Objectives:

• To demonstrate your understanding of the rational actor framework.
• To critically analyze the strategic decisions of Russia and Ukraine within the context of the ongoing conflict.
• To assess how these decisions align or diverge from the assumptions of the rational actor framework.
• To explore the influence of external actors on the conflict.

Essay Requirements:

1. Understanding the Framework:
   • • Begin by explaining the rational actor framework, including its key assumptions about how actors (states or leaders) make decisions.
     • Discuss how this framework might typically explain state behavior in international conflicts.
2. Analysis of the Conflict:
   • • Russia’s Perspective:
       • Analyze the strategic calculations made by Russia and its leadership. Consider their interests, goals, and actions.
       • Discuss how these calculations align or conflict with the rational actor framework’s assumptions.
     • Ukraine’s Perspective:
       • Analyze Ukraine’s strategic calculations, including its interests, actions, and responses to Russia’s moves.
       • Evaluate how Ukraine’s decisions fit within the rational actor model.
     • External Actors:
       • Consider the role of external actors (e.g., NATO, the EU, the U.S., etc.) in influencing the conflict’s dynamics.
3. Thesis Statement:
   • • Develop a clear thesis that presents your main argument regarding why the conflict has persisted and how the rational actor framework explains or fails to explain this persistence.
4. Essay Structure:
   • • Introduction:
       • Introduce the topic, providing necessary background on the conflict and the rational actor framework.
       • Present your thesis statement clearly.
     • Body Paragraphs:
       • Organize your essay by discussing Russia’s and Ukraine’s strategies, followed by the influence of external actors.
       • Support your analysis with evidence from credible sources, including scholarly articles, policy papers, and expert analysis.
       • Provide a critical assessment of how well the rational actor framework applies to the conflict.
     • Conclusion:
       • Summarize your key findings and restate your thesis in light of the analysis.
       • Offer reflections on the broader implications of your analysis for understanding international conflicts.
5. Research and Sources:
   • • Use a minimum of three credible sources to support your analysis.
     • These can include scholarly articles, policy papers, and expert analysis.
     • Properly cite all sources using APSA, APA, Chicago, or MLA style.
     • Include a Works Cited or References page (**this does not count toward the length requirements for the paper**).
6. Length and Formatting:
   
   • • Your essay should be 3-5 pages in length.
     • Use 12-point Times New Roman font, double-spaced, with 1-inch margins.
     • Include a title page with a creative title, your name, and the date of submission (note the title page should not be included in the overall page count).
     • Submit the essay in PDF or DOC format.