The problem of external intervention in the Middle East is not one of intervening too often, but rather about the relationship between goals, means, and ends

Essay Guide
• Always use academic references. Citations with page numbers! 3000 Words.
Question:
1. ‘The problem of external intervention in the Middle East is not one of intervening too
often, but rather about the relationship between goals, means, and ends.’ Discuss.
ESSAY STRUCTURE/PLAN – FOLLOW THIS! USE ATTACHED SOURCES BUT FURTHER
SOURCES TOO!
– Abstract
– INTRO: Take a stance of agreeing with the statement made, arguing the problem of external
intervention is in fact mostly about the ‘relationship between goals, means and ends’ of the
intervention.
– (IN DEPTH) CASE STUDY 1: Do an External intervention analysis: evaluate the impact of the
invasion and occupation of Iraq 2003-2004 by the actors involved, particularly the US.
Analyse and explain how the problem of external intervention in this instance was about the
‘relationship between goals, means, and ends.’ LINK TO QUESTION: ANALYSE
– The causes of the intervention
– The goals of the intervention
– The conduct of the intervention and key decisions taken
– The outcomes of the intervention, both short term and long term
– (IN DEPTH) CASE STUDY 2: Do an External intervention analysis: evaluate the impact of
intervention in Libya in 2011 by the actors involved, particularly the US, NATO led multi state
intervention. Analyse and explain how the problem of external intervention in this instance
was about the ‘relationship between goals, means, and ends.’ LINK TO QUESTION:
ANALYSE
– The causes of the intervention
– The goals of the intervention
– The conduct of the intervention and key decisions taken
– The outcomes of the intervention, both short term and long term
– (BRIEF) CASE STUDY 3: Do an External intervention analysis: evaluate the impact of
external intervention on the Syrian civil war by the following actors, particularly the bold ones:
Turkey, Russia, Iran, and the US. Analyse and explain how the problem of external
intervention in this instance was about the ‘relationship between goals, means, and ends.’
LINK TO QUESTION: ANALYSE
– Conclusion
Meet following criteria:
Comprehension: refers to a student’s ability to demonstrate an understanding of theories, texts,
methods and the empirical material they are being examined on. Candidates are rewarded for
precision in definition, depth of knowledge and evidence of sustained research into the topic being
assessed.
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methods and empirical material they are being examined on. Candidates are rewarded for answers
that are able to discriminate between the merits of different arguments and to present their views
in a clear, consistent and persuasive manner.
Relevance: refers to a student’s ability to answer the question that has been set. Candidates are
rewarded for answers that are focused and justify the approach used, and answers which
demonstrate a critical understanding of the leading academic and wider social, cultural, historical or
ethical perspectives that are typically brought to bear on the political texts, theories, issues or
problems being discussed.
Presentation: refers to a student’s ability to write effectively and to use appropriate spelling,
punctuation and grammar. Candidates are rewarded for answers that make suitable use of language,
including technical terms that are well signposted, and which are written in a style that does not
obscure but helps to convey the argument being presented.
Work in this range will demonstrate advanced reasoning and analytical skills. It will provide an
extensive and relevant answer to the question, an in-depth knowledge of the relevant literature
and a very high level of presentation. In addition, the candidate will have demonstrated a capacity