Russo-Ukrainian Conflict Analysis

This paper is somewhat different from many research papers which you have likely done to date. The purpose of this paper is to describe and assess the factors leading to a success or failure of a negotiation to end a conflict. It could be a political, economic or environmental conflict. It should fairly current (WWI or WWII is out for example). The negotiation you pick to analyze needs to have an international dimension and include at least one state as an actor in the conflict.

Your paper should include an introduction in which you provide a brief summary of the conflict including “what happened” (was it a success, failure or mixed) AND what specific aspect you are seeking to analyze. For example, are you focusing on the role of a particular state, individual (a mediator) or perhaps an organization? Are you focusing on the approach (such as two track diplomacy)? Is your focus on the interaction of domestic and international factors OR perhaps you are looking at the tactics employed (e.g., crisis bargaining, coercive diplomacy etc.)?

Then the second section of the paper should set out the “the board, the players the stakes, the moves and the outcomes”. This is both a descriptive section and setting you up for the analysis.

In the third section of the paper you are to develop and elaborate on your analysis of: 1) why the negotiations were a success, a failure or a mixture using the concepts we discussed in class and 2) the key factor(s) which you’ve chosen as the secondary focus.

This should be then followed by your conclusions and perhaps recommendations.

Papers should of course include a bibliography and be appropriately cited. I am expecting that the papers will be around 12 pages long, typed and double spaced.