Assignment: Levels of Analysis and the Crisis in Syria
Purpose: The primary goal of this assignment is to explore another very important concept in international relations, the levels of analysis precept. Your specific task is to read a Congressional report analyzing the Syrian crisis and then discuss and assess the various levels of analysis illustrated in the report.
Prepare: Review Chapters 2, 3 and 4 in the course text. In addition, read the assigned report, Armed Conflict in Syria: Overview and U.S. Response.
Reflect: International relations occur at a variety of levels. Individual diplomats and world leaders communicate with each other daily. Domestically, state governmental institutions, non-governmental organizations and private international businesses develop international plans and strategies. Foreign policy is crafted by governments at the domestic level but is designed to be implemented at the systemic level. Finally, at the systemic level, international organizations, like the UN or NATO, interact not only with functionally similar organizations but also with multi-national corporations and state governments. Importantly, our ability to understand where these interactions are taking place and how and why this level of analysis affects the interactions is necessary for a broad and nuanced appreciation of global relations.
Write: In your assignment, complete the following:
Discuss statements within the report that illustrate the different levels of analysis.
Explain why each statement you selected from the report corresponds to the level of analysis you identified.
Assess which level of analysis provides the most comprehensive justification for the emergence of conflict in Syria.
The response should include a reference list. Double-space, using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.