POLS302 / IR305: Cold War Diplomacy and Arms Control – Assessment 2: Analytical Essay
Write a 1,800 to 2,200 word analytical essay that evaluates whether a Cold War–era strategy such as Gradual Reciprocation in Tension Reduction (GRIT) could inform future United States–Russia arms control frameworks.
Assessment context
This assessment sits within an upper-level undergraduate or postgraduate course in International Relations, Security Studies, or Political Science, commonly titled “Cold War Politics”, “Strategic Studies”, or “Arms Control and Disarmament”. The task aligns with assessment conventions used across US, UK, Australian, Canadian, and UAE institutions, where students are required to produce a policy-informed historical analysis that connects theory to contemporary geopolitical conditions.
The essay requires engagement with Cold War diplomacy, nuclear deterrence theory, and post-Cold War strategic instability. It draws on historical case material, particularly Soviet foreign policy under Mikhail Gorbachev, and requires application to present-day US-Russia relations.
Learning outcomes
- Critically evaluate theories of international cooperation and conflict reduction within nuclear politics.
- Apply historical case studies to contemporary strategic and diplomatic challenges.
- Assess the relevance and limitations of Cold War frameworks in current geopolitical contexts.
- Construct a sustained, evidence-based academic argument using scholarly sources.
- Demonstrate advanced academic writing, referencing, and analytical structuring skills.
Task instructions
Develop a structured essay that responds to the following guiding question:
To what extent can GRIT and Cold War–era diplomatic strategies provide a viable model for future US–Russia arms control in the 21st century?
Required components
- Introduction (approx. 200–300 words)
Clearly define GRIT and outline its theoretical basis. Present a concise thesis that states your position on its relevance to contemporary arms control. - Theoretical framework (approx. 400–500 words)
Explain GRIT as developed by Charles E. Osgood. Situate it within broader International Relations theory, including the security dilemma, deterrence theory, and trust-building mechanisms. - Historical analysis (approx. 600–800 words)
Examine Gorbachev’s foreign policy between 1985 and 1989. Focus on:- Unilateral concessions (e.g., nuclear test moratorium, troop reductions)
- Diplomatic engagement with the United States
- The role of trust and reciprocity in achieving the INF Treaty
Evaluate whether these actions align with GRIT principles.
- Contemporary application (approx. 500–600 words)
Assess current US–Russia relations, including:- Strategic instability and nuclear modernization
- Breakdown or suspension of arms control agreements
- Political and ideological barriers to cooperation
Determine whether GRIT could function under present conditions or whether structural differences limit its applicability.
- Conclusion (approx. 200–300 words)
Provide a clear judgement on the viability of a Cold War approach to modern arms control. Support the conclusion with insights drawn from both historical and contemporary analysis.
Submission requirements
- Word count: 1,800 to 2,200 words
- Referencing style: APA 7th or Harvard (consistent use required)
- Minimum of 8 scholarly sources
- Formal academic tone and structured argumentation
- Submission via LMS (Turnitin enabled)
Marking criteria
| Criterion | Weight | Descriptor |
|---|---|---|
| Argument and thesis clarity | 20% | Clear, defensible position with logical progression |
| Theoretical understanding | 20% | Accurate and critical use of GRIT and IR theory |
| Historical analysis | 20% | Effective use of Cold War case evidence |
| Contemporary application | 20% | Insightful evaluation of modern US–Russia dynamics |
| Research and referencing | 10% | Use of credible academic sources and correct citation |
| Structure and academic writing | 10% | Clarity, coherence, grammar, and formal tone |
Example student response
GRIT offers a structured pathway for de-escalation that appears particularly relevant when examining late Cold War diplomacy under Gorbachev. His unilateral concessions, including nuclear testing moratoria and troop withdrawals, align closely with Osgood’s premise that transparency and reciprocity can interrupt cycles of hostility. Evidence suggests that these actions contributed to a gradual rebuilding of trust, culminating in the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty. However, the contemporary US–Russia relationship differs significantly due to weakened institutional trust and competing strategic doctrines. As noted in “Arms control and strategic stability between Russia and the United States”, current dynamics are shaped by mutual suspicion and reduced diplomatic engagement, which may limit the effectiveness of unilateral gestures. GRIT may still hold conceptual value, but its success depends on political willingness that appears constrained in the current era.
Recent scholarship indicates that arms control erosion, particularly after the collapse of key treaties, has intensified strategic uncertainty. Studies of post-INF dynamics show that verification mechanisms and sustained dialogue were central to past successes, suggesting that any modern adaptation of GRIT would require institutional reinforcement alongside unilateral concessions. Policy discussions increasingly point to hybrid approaches that combine traditional deterrence with selective confidence-building measures.
References
- Acton, J. M. (2021). Reimagining nuclear arms control. Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
- Booth, K., & Wheeler, N. J. (2018). The security dilemma: Fear, cooperation, and trust in world politics. Palgrave.
- Freedman, L. (2020). The evolution of nuclear strategy. Palgrave Macmillan.
- Kroenig, M. (2018). The logic of American nuclear strategy. Oxford University Press.
- Osgood, C. E. (1962). An alternative to war or surrender. University of Illinois Press.
- Write a 1,800 to 2,200 word analytical essay evaluating GRIT and its relevance to future US–Russia arms control strategies using Cold War case studies.
- Write a 6–8 page essay analysing Cold War diplomacy and applying GRIT theory to modern US–Russia relations.
- Evaluate whether Cold War strategies can still guide nuclear arms control today.
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POLS302 / IR305: Assessment 3 — Policy Brief (Week 8)
Prepare a 1,200 to 1,500 word policy brief advising a government or international organisation on practical steps to rebuild US–Russia arms control mechanisms. The brief must translate theoretical insights from Assessment 2 into actionable recommendations, including risk assessment, implementation challenges, and diplomatic pathways. Students are expected to adopt a professional policy tone, include executive summaries, and support recommendations with current strategic data. Submission requires one concise brief plus a 2–3 source annotated reference list.