As we’ve learned, the foreign policy positions of government officials are affected by an individual’s ideology or world view. But, they are also affected by where that individual “sits.” So, your first task is to understand your assigned role better in each of these dimensions. Who currently fills the position you are assigned? What do we know about that person’s foreign policy preferences and ideas? What do we know about that person’s position in the government, and the effect (real or potential) of that position on the person’s policy preferences?
Write a brief paper outlining your assigned role in both dimensions – personal/biographical and position in the government. The paper should not be more than three pages, but should include as much relevant information as possible. The following questions will guide your work:
- What is the background of the person whose role I am assuming for the simulation? What type of education, work, and personal experiences may shape the person’s world view? What types of foreign policy positions has this person taken in the past?
- What is your assigned role in the government? What is your role in the National Security Council? What role do you typically play in foreign policy making? Does the person you represent have a particularly close personal relationship with the president that may enhance his or her influence over foreign policy decisions?
You can use a variety of sources to write the paper. We will discuss ideas for these in class. Be sure to follow the rules of attribution, and to include a references section with your paper.
