Connect one of the readings or themes explored with an issue or event in the real world of politics. Construct an argument that utilizes a conceptual/theoretical framework and is supported by some kind of empirical evidence. The broadness of this exercise will be your biggest challenge, and it will require a mixture of critical and creative thinking to organize a persuasive and well-supported argument.

The short essay format is designed to measure your ability to make an argument about a political event or issue that is based in – and supported by – some subset of the literature in comparative politics or political science.