Deadline: 31 January 2011
ELIGIBILITY
All high school students, enrolled in 9th through 12th grades, attending public or private schools from the United States and abroad.
Essays must:
• Be written in English
• Be original, unpublished, and written entirely by student
• Contain student’s original opinions and recommendations based on research
• Be at least 1,500 words in length but no more than 2,000 (Citations and bibliography are not included in the word count)
• Be typed, double-spaced with margins: left: 1.5", right: 1", top: 1", bottom: 1", page-numbered
• Include a bibliography
• Comply with standards regarding citations and bibliography
All essays must be submitted online. You can submit your essay by clicking here.
ESSAY TOPIC
The use of military means as a solution to today’s international and national political issues: Diplomacy or war, democracy or military coup?
HOW TO ADDRESS THE TOPIC
Good governance relies upon responsible civic participation, equality, and rule of law. It involves political leadership, bureaucracy, civil society, community leaders and others who play a role in or influence decision-making and the implementation of laws and policies within society. For those who hope to prevent military interventions that lead to the deaths of civilians and the destruction of their country’s political and economic foundation, what are the possible ways to reduce the risk of military interventions, such as military coups, to provide new generations a safer and more democratic world?
• Choose a case-study topic from a country that has experienced a military intervention in its recent history.
• What forms of military interventions happened and why? How did military interventions affect the population and civil institutions in the country?
• Based on your research provide recommendations for national leaders that would prevent conflict and enhance the democratization process in their countries
Awards
1st place : 4,000 USD
2nd place : 2,500 USD
3rd place : 1,000 USD
4th - 20th place : 300 USD
21st - 30th place : Trip to Washington, D.C.
In addition to these awards, all winners who ranked from 1st place to 30th place, will be invited to Washington, D.C. for the award ceremony in March 2011. During their 4-day trip to D.C., students will have the opportunity to meet U.S. Congress members, and visit think tank organizations and tourist attractions including museums.
Winning students' airfare, accommodations, meals, and transportation will be sponsored.
All winners will receive a Certificate of Recognition.