📋 Written Ability Test (WAT)/Essay Analysis Guide

🌍 Topic: Can economic sanctions effectively deter rogue nations?

🌐 Understanding the Topic’s Importance

Economic sanctions are pivotal in international relations, showcasing the intersection of diplomacy, economics, and ethics. They are critical for B-schools exploring geopolitical influences on global markets.

📚 Effective Planning and Writing

• Time Allocation:
  • ⏱️ Planning: 5 minutes
  • ✍️ Writing: 20 minutes
  • 🔍 Review: 5 minutes
• Preparation Tips:
  • 📖 Note key case studies (e.g., Iran nuclear deal, Russian sanctions).
  • 📊 Jot down stakeholders and their roles.

💡 Introduction Techniques for Essays

• ⚖️ Contrast Introduction: “While sanctions aim to curb rogue behavior, they often result in economic resilience in targeted nations, sparking global debate.”
• 🌱 Solution-Based Introduction: “Economic sanctions, if paired with humanitarian considerations, hold the potential to influence global norms effectively.”
• 📅 Timeline Approach: “From Cold War sanctions on Cuba to recent measures against Russia, economic sanctions have evolved as a central tool of global diplomacy.”

📖 Structuring the Essay Body

• Achievements: Cite examples like Iran’s reduced oil exports under sanctions.
• Challenges: Highlight humanitarian issues, referencing North Korea.
• Future Outlook: Suggest reforms such as precision targeting and increased global collaboration.

🎯 Concluding Effectively

• ⚖️ Balanced Perspective: “Sanctions can be effective but need global cohesion and a focus on minimizing collateral damage.”
• 🌍 Global Comparison: “Learning from successes like South Africa and failures like North Korea can refine sanction strategies.”

🔑 Recommendations for Sustainable Progress

• 🌐 Broaden global support for sanctions.
• 🤝 Develop frameworks for humanitarian aid within sanction regimes.

📄 Sample Short Essays

• Balanced Perspective:
  

  “Economic sanctions serve as a non-violent tool to deter rogue nations but risk unintended consequences without global unity and humanitarian safeguards.”

• Solution-Oriented:
  

  “Sanctions should integrate humanitarian measures to ensure civilian safety while applying economic pressure effectively.”

• Global Comparison:
  

  “By studying varied outcomes—from South Africa’s success to Russia’s resilience—sanctions can evolve into a more precise and effective tool.”