Current Events Editorial

STEP 1 – find a topic and article

Find an editorial (600-1000 words) that speaks to an issue we have discussed in this class.

Possible topics: regional trade agreements, the WTO, US economic leadership, the domestic politics of trade, the IMF, currency crises, the Eurozone, the dollar as key currency, inequality, and foreign investment in developing countries.

STEP 2 – construct a critique

You should focus on developing a critique of the positions you read. You may ultimately agree or disagree with the author’s argument, but offer justification for that conclusion given evidence and arguments offered by the material we’ve encountered so far. Use International Political Economy theories to create at least two (2) counterarguments to the editorial’s position.

STEP 3 – write your paper

The essay involves a careful analysis of the evidence and arguments presented by the editorial writer and requires that you demonstrate mastery of course concepts. The paper should be 5-6 pages in a normal font (Times New Roman 11- or 12-point) with 1” margins. When you turn in your essay, please attach a copy of your article on the back.

FINDING A THOUGHTFUL IPE EDITORIAL There are a few great sources for thoughtful opinions on global political economy. No blogs, please – the incidence of outlandishness is much higher in the blogosphere. We want to engage serious arguments held by a reasonable number of people. A few good places to start: · www.cfr.org – another place for position papers and analysis. Council on Foreign Relations, particularly “Issue: Economics” · Leading dailies and weeklies: New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, the Guardian [UK], The Economist magazine · www.project-syndicate.org – a clearinghouse of editorials. (requires free account)