Role of the USA in Gulf security since 9/11

Research question:
How has the role of the USA in Gulf security evolved since 9/11 and why?

1) Introduction
• Define what your topic is all about
• Set the context about the role of the USA in the Gulf
• You might refer to the “Pivot to Asia” to introduce your topic
• Provide your argument
• Define the structure of your thesis

2) Literature review about the role of the USA in Gulf security
• Explore the literature (books and articles) the role of the USA in Gulf security since 9/11.
• Has the role of the USA in Gulf security remained the same as prior to 9/11?
• Has it changed? If so, why?
• Identify the different arguments put forward by the literature. What are the different schools of thought (i.e. different arguments) about the role of the USA in Gulf security?
• Explore both empirical studies (concrete effects of USA on Gulf security) and theoretical (what theories say about the role of the USA in the Gulf; balance of power…)
• Critically assess these arguments i.e. state what you think about the strengths and weaknesses of each argument

3) History of the role of the USA in Gulf security
• Describe what has been the role of the USA prior to 9/11 and how it has changed since 9/11

4) Critical assessment of the role of the USA in Gulf security
• Provide a critical assessment of the role of the USA in Gulf security
• If this role has changed, explain why?
• You have to develop your argument here.
• Critically evaluate the contending (opposing) arguments to yours
• Show that alternative arguments are weaker
• Basically show why you think your explanation (argument) is better than the other.

5) Conclusions
• Restate the problems
• What are your findings and recommendations?
• What are the lessons learnt from your research
• What does it say about the future role of the USA in the Gulf