Suggestions

Your essay should contain the following:

 

• An introduction, which introduces the subject and contains an explanation of your position.  The objective is to demonstrate that you understand the essay contest question and have formed a response to it.
• A body, which develops your argument using research and analysis.  The process of analysis should include facts and historical research that support your argument.  The body should also contain a detailed explanation of why your strategy will result in a safer, more peaceful, and more secure world.  Expert opinions of government officials, military personal, or professionals with expertise in the area of foreign policy are also acceptable, but the focus is on your original thinking and analysis.
• A conclusion, which summarizes the research and analysis presented in the essay.  Drawing on ideas already presented, you should demonstrate that your conclusions support the position you put forward in the opening paragraphs.  Your aim is to convince the reader that your position is reasonable and valid.

 

Judging

When FOR judges evaluate your essay, they will have the following rubric in mind:

 

• Focus:  Examines how well your essay responds to the question while avoiding violence, and war in particular, as a solution.  Does the essay provide a specific and thorough response to the entire question?
• Organization:  Looks at the structure of your essay.  Does the essay have a well-defined introduction, body, and conclusion?

   Cover Sheet:

Your cover sheet must include the following information;

 

The Title of your Essay

Your Name

Your date of birth

E-mail address

School’s name

Grade level

Teacher’s name, if applicable

 

The following statement should also be included on the cover sheet; 

 

I certify that this essay is my own work and that I have abided by all the guidelines and requirements of the Fellowship of Reconciliation Peace Essay Contest.  I understand that the essay will not be returned to me and will become the property of Fellowship of Reconciliation to use at its discretion.  I understand that the judges’ decisions are final. 

 

Your Name & your signature

QUESTIONS

Choose one question and answer that question as thoroughly as possible.

Please read the rules and guidelines before you begin.

 

Question 1: Nuclear Arms Problem

Background:

          The United States has move than one-half of the world's nuclear warheads.  However, many nuclear warheads—and nuclear technologies-- are in the hands of less stable countries such as India, Pakistan, and North Korea. Furthermore, the United States, Russia and China now have delivery systems that could destroy whole continents in the event of a nuclear exchange.

Question:

          What strategies or approach would you recommend as an advisor to the U.S. President to reduce the current and long-term threat of a nuclear disaster?

 

Question 2:  Iran

Background:

          The current U.S. administration has raised concerns about Iran, some that have a basis in fact and some that have not been supported by international observers. Currently, fundamentalist President Ahmadinejad is calling for the destruction of Israeli Government, advocates the enrichment of weapons-grade uranium, and has been accused of supporting various political and military destabilizing movements throughout the Middle East.

Question:

          If you were an advisor to the next U.S. President, how would you propose we engage Iran in a process that would reduce the level of conflict in the Middle East and result in a peaceful, more stable region?

 

How would you apply nonviolent conflict resolution to . . .

•  continuing nuclear arms proliferation?

•  Iran’s role in the conflict in the Middle East?

What should we do now?

 

Essay Winners Will Receive

 

                    1^st place winner $200

2^nd place winner $150

3^rd place winner $100

4^th and 5^th place winners $50 each

 

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: April 4^th, 2008