White paper for international law | Irls402 | American Military University

Assignment Instructions

You are an employee of an NGO interested in encouraging state compliance with international norms.  Your supervisor has asked you to produce a white paper in which you discuss at least three strategies IGOs, states and other NGOS use for enforcement of international law.  Your overall focus should be on the information you have learned and how your NGO should act on that information. 

The text of the report should be no fewer than 3 pages and no more than 6, double-spaced, 12 font.

You should apply information that you have obtained from class readings and external resources.   You should have at least four credible references.

A white paper usually includes the following elements:

(1)An executive summary:

 Provide an overview of the report’s purpose, problem being addressed, research methods, & recommendations. An executive should be able to read this and not be missing anything of major importance from the full paper. Summarize the most important information from each of the sections.

 (2)relevant background information;

Include enough basic information about the challenge your organization is facing

Make sure to shape your communication style for the audience.  Write in a clear, professional manner. 

Briefly describe your research methods and the purpose of your report.  Your audience may wish to know where you got your info. 

(3)a clear discussion of the problem and why it is important

Be  specific when defining your organization’s problem

7Analyze the problem’s causes

Explain who is affected and what is at stake

(4)different perspectives related to the problem, and alternative solutions;

Separately identify three or four different approaches or ways of understanding

your company and its problem (Make sure to use headings and subheadings. 

Bosses don’t like to struggle to find the info)

Define a full range of arguments. Make sure to include ones that are contrary to your final recommendation.

(5)your recommendations and reasoning

Each recommendation must be not only possible but feasible.

• You must provide evidence for your reasoning

(6)appendices and supplementary material.

(7) A reference list separate from the white paper

General Instructions for Assignments and Rubrics

All assignments should be written in Word and uploaded as attachments within the Assignments section of the classroom.  Use 12 pt. font and double-space.  Be sure to put your name and class information on the document and put your name on the file.  Insert page numbers.  In-text citations to the readings should be included (the textbook and the journal articles as applicable).  A reference list should be included at the end of your document. Assignments will be graded using a rubric appropriate for your class level.

Other hints for writing your assignment may be found below. 
Additional Resources in the International Relations Program – Turabian Quick Guide and other resources