This essay exam will require you to demonstrate your comprehension of the national security concepts presented in the National Security Decision Making (NSDM) simulation.
• Written Assignment
The 2011 National Strategy for Counterterrorism (NSCT) references several "areas of focus." Your assignment is to address the following items:
(1) Develop a United States strategy proposal using the "Ends, Ways and Means" model to address the terrorism security challenge in the SOUTHEAST ASIA area of focus.
(2) Which of the international relations (IR) perspectives (realism, liberalism and/or constructivism) most influenced your strategy proposal? Why?
GUIDANCE on ends, ways and means:
Use the definitions outlined in the 2006 Harry Yarger reading, "Strategic Theory for the 21st Century" (located in "REFERENCE DOCUMENT LIBRARY" link).
First, develop strategic objectives (ends) based on the national interests, and the environment described in the 2011 National Strategy for Counterterrorism. Recall that, "objectives (ends) explain ‘what' needs to be accomplished...strategic objectives directly serve the strategic purpose-the desired end state" (Yarger, pg. 52, 54).
Second, develop "strategic concepts (ways) [that] explain ‘how' the objectives are to be accomplished by the employment of the instruments of power...Strategic concepts link resources to the objectives by addressing who does what, where, when, and why to explain how an objective will be achieved" (Yarger, pg. 55).
Third, keeping in mind that this is at the strategic level, so "determine the types and levels of resources [means] that are necessary to support the concepts of the strategy" (Yarger, pg. 60).
Note on the "Ends, Ways, Means" strategy recommendation:
Keep in mind that we are essentially looking for your recommendations on how the ends, ways and means should be used. Do not spend too much time describing the issue; focus your efforts on recommendations. The best recommendations are ones that are clear, concrete, and as specific as possible. Yours should be accompanied by reasons for each recommendation. This helps to demonstrate your understanding of the issues. Ask yourself: Have I demonstrated adequate justification for each recommendation? Have I integrated the ends, ways, and means in my recommendations? Have I applied my chosen IR perspective consistently in my recommendations?