Political Science & Public Policy

Comparative Political System Analysis

Elective. Comparative analysis of two real political systems on a specific named dimension (federalism, electoral system design, judicial independence, or equivalent). Primary sources throughout. A political science academic challenges your comparative framework — your written response is part of the proof.

Electoral and Voting Systems Analysis

Elective. Analyse real electoral data from a named official authority. Draw a specific evidence-based conclusion about voting behaviour or system effects. A political scientist or quantitative analyst challenges your interpretation — your written response is part of the proof.

Policy Analysis and Recommendation

Elective. A real policy brief for a named decision-maker on a real policy question: evidence-based problem statement, ≥2 policy options with trade-offs and political feasibility assessment, concrete recommendation. A policy practitioner challenges your feasibility reasoning — your written summary of the challenge and response is part of the proof.

International Relations Case Study

Elective. Analyse a real diplomatic, conflict, or cooperation case using a specific named IR theory (realism, liberalism, constructivism, or equivalent). Primary sources throughout. An IR practitioner or postgraduate IR-qualified person challenges your theoretical framing — your written response is part of the proof.

Political Argument Construction and Defence

Elective. Structured written argument (minimum 1,000 words) on a real contested political question. State and defend a position with evidence; respond to the strongest objection. A political scientist or policy practitioner poses at least three specific objections — your written responses are recorded and submitted alongside the argument. The exchange is part of the proof.

Free citable datasets and visualisations on electoral systems, democratic institutions, and political outcomes across countries. An excellent primary data source for the comparative political system analysis and electoral data analysis steps.

Free access to UN documents, resolutions, treaty texts, and official statements. Primary sources for the international relations case study step. Covers Security Council records, General Assembly resolutions, and treaty collections.

Free peer-reviewed commentary from academics on current political and policy questions. Useful for finding real contested political questions for the policy analysis and political argument steps, and for understanding how academics frame contemporary debates.