Scenario:
You are a member of the NSC staff tasked to recommend a strategy outlining an integrated use of the Instruments of Power (IOPs) for a US response to the notional 2021 Iranian nuclear test crisis. You have two objectives:
Produce a US strategy which applies the instruments of power in an integrated manner to address the given security issue. Ensure your strategy is consistent with US policy and the state of international affairs in the notional 2021 scenario.
Explain which international relations (IR) perspective(s) (realism, liberalism and constructivism) influenced your decisions and why.
Note on how the US should apply the IOPs:
Keep in mind that we are essentially looking for your recommendations on how the IOPs should be used. (Don't spend too much time describing the issue; focus your efforts on recommendations.) You should give due consideration to all the instruments of power in developing your response and not focus solely on one or two instruments that may, at first, appear best aligned with your selected strategy. The best recommendations are ones that are clear, concrete, and as specific as possible. Your recommendations 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 my recommendations? Have I applied my chosen IR perspective(s) consistently in my recommendations?