A policy brief consists of four sections:
1) Executive Summary ( ~ 100 words)
a. A brief summary of the document. What it looks at, what it argues, and (most importantly) what it recommends. You should write this last.
2) Problem Analysis/Issue (500 words)
a. A description of the issue your policy brief looks at. It should be specific and well-defined, but also connected to a larger theme in international relations/global politics.
b. Justification for why this issue must be addressed is important here. How does it relate to ethics? What ethical obligation(s) does the audience hold?
3) Critique of Current Policy (500 words)
a. This is where you criticise current policy and frame it as unethical / immoral.
b. You need to effectively demonstrate the shortcomings of current policy in this section and criticise it in accordance with your ethical principles.
4) Policy Recommendations (900 words)
a. This is the most important section because it is where you develop and apply your own ethical policy
b. Using the criticisms outlined in the previous section, your task is to devise a policy that addresses these shortcomings
c. You should be integrating your moral principles, making (justified) statements as to who is morally obligated to do something about the issue, and supporting your own policy by showing why it is ethical
d. Applying concepts from moral foundations is a good way to gain marks here and to demonstrate your knowledge/understanding
