Below is a brief example and description of what the research design might look like.
Cyprus- UNFICYP
Hook– This particular hook is intended for an audience with a disciplinary interest in international humanitarian law. The specific hook for this paper is introduced by a brief discussion of the history of the anti-personnel mine ban treaty and a brief discussion of the Cypriot landmine problem as it relates to the UNFICYP mission.
After these issues have been raised, the research puzzle is introduced: Why, given that all actors involved in the Cypriot question wish to have landmines cleared on the island, has the process of de-mining stalled since 2012?
Thesis– The particular thesis statement for this paper proposal explores how the top-down mandate approach of the UNSC, as well as the traditional peacekeeping agenda pursued by the UN, EU, NATO, and major powers, has led to stasis in identity formation and interest calculations. This thesis is introduced by exploring how game theoretic models would predict a positive outcome with respect to the issue of landmines on Cyprus.
While traditional game theory models would suggest that both sides involved in the Cypriot problem could reach an mutually optimal outcome by working independently to eradicate their zones of control of landmines, I argue that the traditional peacekeeping model has constrained actor identity and limited the possibility of pursuing mutually self-interested goals. Achieving success on mine eradication involves expanding the role of civil society actors while simultaneously educating stakeholders in the political and moral advantages of unilateral mine clearance.
Part II (A)
I. Mine Ban Treaty participation by Cyprus and Turkey
II. UNFICYP Success in landmine clearance
III. Stage V problems with landmine clearance
IV. Civil Society Participation and re-definitions of self-interest
Part II (B)
I. Bellamy and Williams on traditional peacekeeping and the UN structure
II. Forsyth on the UN system and the need for civil society space
III. Wilson and Brown on ‘moral capacity’ and narratives of suffering
IV. Slaughter on indifference – its relationship to academia (game theory)
V. Orford on decision-making and marginalized voices
Part III
The section on methodology is the section that is most dependent on the research question asked by the author. In this particular case, the method of analysis requires:
1. A theoretical discussion of the limits of game theory
2. Stakeholder interviews involving members of the civil society in Cyprus
3. Participant observation of landmine eradication efforts in Cyprus