International Relations Debate Research - copy
Plan -- how will I find this information?
Think about where you are going to get information about your debate topic. The best research incorporates information gathered from various credible sources including (but not limited to):
- Books
- Journals (Scholarly, Popular and Trade)
- Newspapers
- Websites
- Reference resources
- Videos and other multimedia
Issue Websites
- AllSides: provides a breadth of perspectives on today's news, issues and opinions
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ProCon.org: Provides resources for critical thinking and to educate without bias.
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CQ Researcher: In-depth reports on today’s issues
Cite Your Sources
Preparing for your IR debate:
A debate is an opportunity for intelligent people who have informed themselves on an issue to exchange ideas and formulate arguments regarding an important issue, policy, or decision. Here are some tips to get yourself prepared:
- Do your research. There's no substitute for good research. Find high quality information from a variety of reputable sources, including those that don't align with your position on the issue. It's important that you understand as many viewpoints as possible to formulate effective arguments.
- Use your research to create arguments - do not list information and expect them to make your arguments for you. An arguments uses evidence to advance a claim (what you want your audience to agree with).
- Acknowledge counter-arguments (the viewpoints of those who disagree), doing so enables you to explain why your position is stronger or preferable.
- Focus on the arguments and issues at hand, NOT on attacking the other person (this reduces your credibility). You can point out the weakness in the other person's arguments without getting personal.
- Listen carefully at ALL times. You have much to learn from your opponent(s), and your ability to make good arguments depends on how well you've understood their arguments.
Get organized! The SIRS Issues Research Guide walks you step-by-step through the writing arguments process!
“Preparing for a Debate | Wittenberg University.” Wittenberg.Edu, 2019, https://www.wittenberg.edu/sites/default/files/media/occ/forms/debate.pdf. Accessed 25 Oct. 2020.
More reputable places to find information:
Websites:
- U.S. Bilateral Relations Fact Sheets
- Amnesty International
"Amnesty International is a global movement of more than 3 million supporters, members and activists in more than 150 countries and territories who campaign to end grave abuses of human rights.Our vision is for every person to enjoy all the rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights standards.We are independent of any government, political ideology, economic interest or religion and are funded mainly by our membership and public donations"
- BBC Country Profiles
"Full profiles provide an instant guide to history, politics and economic background of countries and territories, and background on key institutions." - CIA World Factbook
"The World Factbook provides information on the history, people, government, economy, geography, communications, transportation, military, and transnational issues for 267 world entities. Our Reference tab includes: maps of the major world regions, as well as Flags of the World, a Physical Map of the World, a Political Map of the World, and a Standard Time Zones of the World map."
- CIAONET
"Columbia International Affairs Online (CIAO) is the most comprehensive source for theory and research in international affairs. It publishes a wide range of scholarship from 1991 onward that includes working papers from university research institutes, occasional papers series from NGOs, foundation-funded research projects, proceedings from conferences, books, journals and policy briefs."
- Department of State
"The U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity." - Freedom House
"Freedom House is an independent watchdog organization that supports the expansion of freedom around the world. Freedom House supports democratic change, monitors freedom, and advocates for democracy and human rights."
- Global Conflict Tracker l Council on Foreign Relations
- Global Issues: http://www.globalissues.org/
- UN
"The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945 after the Second World War by 51 countries committed to maintaining international peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations and promoting social progress, better living standards and human rights."
- World Health Organization
"WHO is the directing and coordinating authority for health within the United Nations system. It is responsible for providing leadership on global health matters, shaping the health research agenda, setting norms and standards, articulating evidence-based policy options, providing technical support to countries and monitoring and assessing health trends."
World News Sources:
- BBC News
Narrow news focus by selecting a region of the world (along top of page)
- CNN International
- Google News/World
- New York Times World
- USA Today World
- Wall Street Journal
- Washington Post World
- World Newspapers, Magazines, and News Sites
In English, sorted by country and region
There's more!
Are you taking a Dual Credit class? Don't forget your Heartland ID gives you access to the Heartland databases as well as the I-share catalog! It's a good opportunity for you to become familiar with their databases, subject guides and the wealth of resources at the college level! If you have questions about how to use them just stop by the IMC and ask Mrs. H how!
- Learn more about Google Scholar
- Google Scholar Search Tips
Recommended Research Databases
All of the following research databases can be accessed from home! You will need a library ID or password to access them outside of school. This information can be found in the IMC Brochure.
Opposing Viewpoints In Context
An entire library of information on controversial issues, this database contains viewpoint articles, topic overviews, links to web sites, full-text magazine and newspaper articles and more.
Student Resources in Context