Writing Samples
On this page, you can find writing samples of research and analysis papers that I have done on a variety of topics. These papers were completed during my graduate courses.
POL 561: The Role of the International Community in Rehabilitation Efforts: How Human Rights Abuses by way of Gender Roles Affects Child Soldiers
This paper explores the correlation of the effects of child soldiering and the gender of the child soldiers. A major area of this paper is the discussion of human rights and the Convention on the Rights of the Child. In addition, this paper discusses the issues of rehabilitation efforts in communities in which child soldiers are captured from and how the former child soldiers face a number of struggles when they are introduced back into the community. This paper offers solutions as to what the international community can do not only about rehabilitation efforts, but child soldiering as a whole and protecting the rights of the child. I chose to include this as a writing sample because I feel it is one of my strongest analysis pieces that I have written and I feel that it highlights such an important issue in the international sphere.
POL 521: The Dirty Business of Wildlife Trafficking and Poaching
This paper explores the implications that wildlife trafficking has on international security. I explore what wildlife trafficking is, the regions of the world where it is the most prevalent, and why this organized crime is damaging to the international security realm. Transnational environmental crime has major implications for the planet and the habitats of various species. This paper talks about wildlife trafficking in Africa and in Asian countries and why and how individuals get involved in this crime network. There is also a small discussion on what steps the international community has already taken and what further measures should be taken in order to combat this illegal activity. I chose to include this paper as it covers illicit activity and highlights my ability to analyze such an issue. It shows that I am able to analyze topics is various security fields and speaks to another issue that is not heavily discussed in media.
POL 520: How to End the Campaign of Boko Haram
This paper explores the campaign of Boko Haram across the African continent. It identifies key features of Boko Haram and the devastation they are producing. I explore how Boko Haram came to be the terrorist organization that it is today and what has made their campaign successful. I explore options for ending the campaign of Boko Haram and what option might be the most beneficial in putting an end to this terrorist organization. There is also discussion of what the international sphere and what the continent of Africa is doing to combat them. I talk about the African Union and the policies they have in place for counterterrorism measures. I look at why it is difficult to halt a terrorist organizations and their activities and how states need to use their leverage in counterterrorism efforts. I chose to include this writing sample as it is in the field that I would ultimately like to enter in to. I feel that I discuss important counterterrorism strategies which is a field that I am heavily interested in. This is yet another area of the security field that I can research and analyze. I also feel that this paper, in a way, highlights potential policy options through the advisement of how to halt the reign of Boko Haram.