Diplomacy without an army is like music without instruments.” Frederick the Great of Prussia
Memorandum – Global Citizen – Fact or Fiction?
“Diplomacy without an army is like music without instruments.” Frederick the Great of Prussia
Frederick the Great built Prussia into a major power on the European continent 1740 to 1786. Known as an excellent leader, diplomat and military commander, he more than many realized the indispensable military component of diplomacy. Diplomacy, even among hostile states, may end up with an understanding, or treaty, however facing hostile parties across a negotiating table rarely produces an end to, or even a calming of hostilities.
There is a constant drumbeat for global solutions to a myriad of global problems. The idea is if all states give up sovereignty in a number of areas and set aside national interests, a global citizenry will emerge. But, is the global citizen myth or reality—dream or illusion?
Purpose
You will review diplomacy in the modern age as it relates to the notion of a global citizen. This assignment is aligned with the module learning objective #1.
- MLO 1. Explain the relationship of diplomacy and foreign policy.
Directions
- Read the article “There’s No Such Thing as a Global Citizen (Links to an external site.)” by Jakub Grygiel, associate professor of international relations, Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. Washington Post, December 6, 2013.
- Read the article “Should We Take Global Governance Seriously? (Links to an external site.)” by John R. Bolton, former United States delegate to the United Nations.
- Write a Briefing Memorandum to the Deputy Minister of an American embassy addressing Global Citizenship as Myth or Reality—dream or illusion. Comment on the role of sovereign states and national interest in your memorandum.
- See detailed explanation of assignment below.
Memorandum Briefing Assignment “Global Citizen – Fact or Fiction?”
MEMORANDUM
To: Deputy Minister
From: John Doe
Date:
Subject: The subject line should not exceed two lines.
NOTE: A memorandum to a Deputy Minister is one page. You are preparing a Briefing Memorandum outlining talking points for an upcoming interview between the Deputy Minister and a Washington Post reporter about an important and fast-evolving issue.
ISSUE
The issue statement sets out what happened, is happening, or will happen to trigger the briefing memo. It should not exceed two or three lines. An issue statement elaborates on the subject line and outlines the specific trigger for the event, or decision. A “trigger” is more descriptive than “issue” for this paragraph. In defining the issue, determine how much is already known about the subject.
- Start with an Issue Statement, NOT a Purpose Statement.
- Example: Purpose Statement – You have already stated the purpose of the memo in your subject line. Issue Statement- This conveys a sense of urgency –the reason you are writing the briefing memo.
BODY OF THE MEMO
The body of a briefing memo contains:
- Background Section
- Considerations Section
One approach to writing the body is to write the opening and closing paragraphs. Then ask yourself, “What will it take for readers to see that the closing paragraph is a sensible response to the opening paragraph?” The answer forms the body of your briefing memo.
BACKGROUND
Background provides explanatory material to bring the Deputy Minister up to speed on what is happening or what has happened. This is where you provide information that will help the deputy understand the issue and its context.
CONSIDERATIONS
Considerations provide information and arguments to justify your conclusion and/or recommendation. The considerations section provides findings, analyses, pros and cons, options, and arguments that lead the reader to the recommendation or an advisable response to the issue statement at the beginning of the memo.
CLOSING PARAGRAPH
Memos should close with either a recommendation or a conclusion. Recommendations should be brief. Do not present or repeat your rationale in the recommendations section. State specifically what the Deputy Minister is being asked to do or decide, as opposed to stating a desirable outcome. Ask yourself: “If I read this recommendation, would I know what I am being asked to do?”
CONCLUSION
A memo for information should end with a conclusion. It should:
- Clarify the issue or event; (Help the Deputy Minister see the forest through the trees).
- Interpret the significance of the information.
- Analyze the information in the memo, not just describe the situation.
- Answer what happens next, or where you are in confronting the problem or process presented.
- Never include “We will keep you informed,” “We are monitoring the situation,” or “We will brief you on any significant developments.” These are understood and expected.
Submission
Submit your response as a Word document (.doc or .docx) by clicking the Start Assignment button above.
Please note the following:
The paper will be submitted via Turnitin to check for plagiarism. Please find the plagiarism policy in the Course Syllabus. All submitted student papers will be added as source documents in Turnitin reference database for the purpose of detecting plagiarism of such papers in the future.
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