Write a 20-page briefing paper in four parts as described below. Each part has a due date. The four parts together are due in final form on April 25.  No late submissions on any of the deadlines. Format and visual presentation are very important to you and your reader. Include a title page, print with a dark ribbon, and provide proper margins, paragraphs, endnotes, pagination, grammar, and sentence structure. Respond to the questions as specifically as possible. At minimum, cite from twelve sources (half primary, half secondary). Use dates and examples when appropriate. Always substantiate what you write. Consult Dr. G. about the EU and Finland; Barbara Norelli, Social Science/Government Documents Librarian about sources; and experienced Model EU members about preparation and participation. Dr. G.'s office files/library are open to students. See assistant's office hours posted on Ladd 314.

                                             Part A. Introductory Briefing

            o briefly describe the structure and function of the EU bodies;
            o briefly describe how decisions are made and by what voting  methods;
            o briefly describe the history, composition, and role of your assigned institution;
            o describe your assigned issues/topics and explain why they are  important and how they
                             have been handled over time;
            o identify the person/position you are role-playing and describe/identify his/her
                             credentials, background, profession, region of  the country, and party
                            affiliation; and
            o determine if this person was appointed (if so when and by whom) or elected (if so
                            when and by what margin).

                            Part B. Foundations and Objectives of Finnish Foreign Policy

            o summarize the major objectives and national interests of  Finnish foreign policy;
            o list the names and provide the political party affiliations of the Finnish Head of State,
                            Head of Government, Foreign Minister,  European Affairs Minister, EU
                            Commissioner, and EU Ambassador;
            o describe/explain the impact of domestic politics on foreign  policy;
            o summarize the foreign policy manifestoes of each of the major political parties;
            o describe/explain the impact of domestic economics on foreign  policy;
            o summarize Finnish policies toward and relations with the EU, NATO,  OSCE, WEU,
                            and Nordic Council, other European states, and Russia.
 
                                            Part C. Finland in the European Union

            o summarize when, why, how, and under what conditions Finland joined  the EU;
            o summarize Finland's general interests, policies, and objectives
                             with regard to the EU and the member states;
            o identify/describe the group of EU states with whom the Finns  most closely associate;
            o identify/explain the assets Finland brings to the EU;
            o summarize the differences among Finnish political parties in their attitudes/policies
                             regarding the EU;
            o describe the relationship between public opinion and foreign policy as it pertains
                            to the EU;
            o summarize Finnish gains and losses from EU membership;
            o explain the relationship between Finnish EU policy and overall  Finnish foreign
                            policy; and
            o draft policy statement(s) on your position(s)

                   Part D.  Post-Mortem and Final Completed Paper with all Four Parts

            o what did you learn about international relations and diplomatic
                         negotiations;
            o what did you learn about the EU and how it works;
            o what did you learn about Finland's relationship with the EU and
                         EU member states;
            o what did you learn about how small states conduct foreign policy;
            o how effective were you in simulating your assigned role; and
            o what were the strengths and weaknesses of the simulation exercise
                         and how could it be improved next year?