The Policy Brief1 Overview The policy brief is a document which outlines the rationale for choosing a particular policy alternative or course of action in a current policy debate. It is commonly produced in response to a request directly from a decision-maker or within an organisation that intends to advocate for the position detailed in the brief. Depending on the role of the writer or organisation producing the document, the brief may only provide a targeted discussion of the current alternatives without arguing for a particular one (i.e. those who adopt the role of ‘objective’ researcher). On the other end of the scale, i.e. advocates, the brief may focus directly on providing an argument for the adoption of a particular alternative. Nevertheless for any case, as any policy debate is a market-place of competing ideas, the purpose of the policy brief is to convince the target audience of the urgency of the current problem and the need to adopt the preferred alternative or course of action outlined and therefore, serve as an impetus for action. As with all good marketing tools, the key to success is targeting the particular audience for your message. The most common audience for a policy brief is the decision-maker but, it is also not unusual to use the document to support broader advocacy initiatives targeting a wide but knowledgeable audience (e.g. decision makers, journalists, diplomats, administrators, researchers). In constructing a policy brief that can effectively serve its intended purpose, it is common for a brief to be: Focused – all aspects of the policy brief (from the message to the layout) need to strategically focused on achieving the intended goal of convincing the target audience. For example, the argument provided must build on what they do know about the problem, provide insight about what they don’t know about the problem and be presented in language that reflects their values, i.e. using ideas, evidence and language that will convince them. Professional, not academic –The common audience for a policy brief is not interested in the research/analysis procedures conducted to produce the evidence, but are very interested to know the writer’s perspective on the problem and potential solutions based on the new evidence. Evidence-based – The policy brief is a communication tool produced by policy analysts and therefore all potential audiences not only expect a rational argument but will only be convinced by argumentation supported by evidence that the problem exists and the consequences of adopting particular alternatives. Limited – to provide a adequately comprehensive but targeted argument within a limited space, the focus of the brief needs to be limited to a particular problem or area of a problem. Succinct – The type of audiences targeted commonly do not have the time or inclination to read an in-depth 20 page argument on a policy problem. Therefore, ...

1. The Policy Brief1
Overview
The policy brief is a document which outlines the rationale for
choosing a
particular policy alternative or course of action in a current
policy debate. It is
commonly produced in response to a request directly from a
decision-maker or within
an organisation that intends to advocate for the position detailed
in the brief.
Depending on the role of the writer or organisation producing
the document, the brief
may only provide a targeted discussion of the current
alternatives without arguing for
a particular one (i.e. those who adopt the role of ‘objective’
researcher). On the other
end of the scale, i.e. advocates, the brief may focus directly on
providing an
argument for the adoption of a particular alternative.
Nevertheless for any case, as
any policy debate is a market-place of competing ideas, the
purpose of the policy
brief is to convince the target audience of the urgency of the
current problem
and the need to adopt the preferred alternative or course of
action outlined and
therefore, serve as an impetus for action.
As with all good marketing tools, the key to success is targeting
the particular
audience for your message. The most common audience for a

2. policy brief is the
decision-maker but, it is also not unusual to use the document to
support broader
advocacy initiatives targeting a wide but knowledgeable
audience (e.g. decision
makers, journalists, diplomats, administrators, researchers). In
constructing a policy
brief that can effectively serve its intended purpose, it is
common for a brief to be:
Focused – all aspects of the policy brief (from the message to
the layout) need to
strategically focused on achieving the intended goal of
convincing the target
audience. For example, the argument provided must build on
what they do know
about the problem, provide insight about what they don’t know
about the problem
and be presented in language that reflects their values, i.e. using
ideas, evidence
and language that will convince them.
Professional, not academic –The common audience for a policy
brief is not
interested in the research/analysis procedures conducted to
produce the
evidence, but are very interested to know the writer’s
perspective on the problem
and potential solutions based on the new evidence.
Evidence-based – The policy brief is a communication tool
produced by policy
analysts and therefore all potential audiences not only expect a
rational argument
but will only be convinced by argumentation supported by
evidence that the
problem exists and the consequences of adopting particular

3. alternatives.
Limited – to provide a adequately comprehensive but targeted
argument within a
limited space, the focus of the brief needs to be limited to a
particular problem or
area of a problem.
Succinct – The type of audiences targeted commonly do not
have the time or
inclination to read an in-depth 20 page argument on a policy
problem. Therefore,
1 This description of the policy brief was developed by Eoin
Young and Lisa Quinn as LGI training
materials and based on the analysis of samples and from a
number of guidelines such as:
David Dickson. Guidelines for SciDev.Net Opinion articles.
Available on the World Wide Web.
URL:http://www.scidev.net/ms/entebbe/index.cfm?pageid=134
[29 Feb. 2004].
Hong Kong University. Guidelines for Writing a Policy Brief.
Available on the World Wide Web.
URL:
http://www.hku.hk/psychodp/P2/PSYC0036B/Tut1note.doc [29
Feb. 2004].
Richards. The policy options brief. Available on the World
Wide Web. URL:
http://www.gse.buffalo.edu/Fas/Jacobson/629/webnotes/policy_
brief.htm [29 Feb. 2004].
Prof. Tsai. Guidelines for Writing a Policy Brief. Available on
the World Wide Web. URL:
http://jhunix.hcf.jhu.edu/~ktsai/policybrief.html [29 Feb. 2004].
1

4. http://www.scidev.net/ms/entebbe/index.cfm?pageid=134
http://www.hku.hk/psychodp/P2/PSYC0036B/Tut1note.doc
http://jhunix.hcf.jhu.edu/%7Ektsai/policybrief.html
it is common that policy briefs do not exceed 6 – 8 pages in
length (i.e. usually
not longer than 3,000 words).
Understandable – This not only refers to using clear and simple
language (i.e.
not the jargon and concepts of an academic discipline) but also
to providing a
well explained and easy to follow argument targeting a wide but
knowledgeable
audience.
Accessible – the writer of the policy brief should facilitate the
ease of use of the
document by the target audience and therefore, should subdivide
the text using
clear descriptive titles to guide the reader.
Promotional – the policy brief should catch the eye of the
potential audience in
order to create a favourable impression (e.g. professional,
innovative etc) In this
way many brief writers many of the features of the promotional
leaflet (use of
colour, use of logos, photographs, slogans, illustrative quotes
etc).
Practical and feasible – the policy brief is an action-oriented
tool targeting policy
practitioners. As such the brief must provide arguments based
on what is actually
happening in practice with a particular policy and propose
recommendations
which seem realistic to the target audience

5. The policy brief is usually said to be the most common and
effective written
communication tool in a policy campaign. However, in
balancing all of the criteria
above, many analysts also find the brief the most difficult
policy tool to write.
Common Structural Elements of a Policy Brief
As discussed above, policy briefs directly reflect the different
roles that the policy
analyst commonly plays, i.e. from researcher to advocate. The
type of brief that we
are focusing on is one from the more action-oriented, advocacy
end of the
continuum. Although there is much variation even at this end of
the scale, the most
common elements of the policy brief are as follows:
Title of the paper
Executive summary
Context and importance of the problem
Critique of policy option(s)
Policy recommendations
Appendices
Sources consulted or recommended
More specifically,
Title of the paper
The title aims to catch the attention of the reader and compel
him/her to read on and
so needs to be descriptive, punchy and relevant.

6. Executive summary
The executive summary aims to convince the reader further that
the brief is worth in-
depth investigation. It is especially important for an audience
that is short of time to
clearly see the relevance and importance of the brief in reading
the summary. As
such, a 1 to 2 paragraph executive summary commonly includes:
- A description of the problem addressed;
- A statement on why the current approach/policy option needs
to be
changed;
- Your recommendations for action.
2
Context and importance of the problem
The purpose of this element of the brief is to convince the target
audience that a
current and urgent problem exists which requires them to take
action. The context
and importance of the problem is both the introductory and first
building block of the
brief. As such, it usually includes the following:
- A clear statement of the problem or issue in focus.
- A short overview of the root causes of the problem
- A clear statement of the policy implications of the problem

7. which clearly
establishes the current importance and policy relevance of the
issue.
It is worth noting that the length of the problem description may
vary considerably
from brief to brief depending on the stage on the policy process
in focus, e.g. there
may be a need to have a much more extensive problem
description for policy at the
evaluation stage than for one at the option choosing stage.
Critique of policy option(s)
The aim of this element is to detail shortcomings of the current
approach or options
being implemented and therefore, illustrate both the need for
change and focus of
where change needs to occur. In doing so, the critique of policy
options usually
includes the following:
- A short overview of the policy option(s) in focus
- An argument illustrating why and how the current or proposed
approach
is failing.
It is important for the sake of credibility to recognise all
opinions in the debate of the
issue.
Policy recommendations
The aim of the policy recommendations element is to provide a
detailed and

8. convincing proposal of how the failings of the current policy
approach need to
changed. As such this is achieved by including;
- A breakdown of the specific practical steps or measures that
need to be
implemented
- Sometimes also includes a closing paragraph re-emphasising
the
importance of action.
Appendices
Although the brief is a short and targeted document, authors
sometimes decide that
their argument needs further support and so include an
appendix. Appendices
should be included only when absolutely necessary.
Sources consulted or recommended
Many writers of the policy brief decide not to include any
sourcing of their evidence
as their focus is not on an academic audience. However, if you
decide to include a
short bibliography then place it at the end. Many writers prefer
to lead their readers to
further reading and so, include a recommended readings section.
Not surprisingly,
many of the recommended readings are other related policy
documents produced by
their organisations!
3

9. Overview Common Structural Elements of a Policy Brief
1. Introduction
a. Characteristics of the Western world in the 12th century
b. Characteristics of the Western world in the 17th century
c. Your thesis – What caused the changes
2. Examples from Chapter 10
a. Example #1
i. What happened
ii. How did it contribute to the evolution of the Western world
b. Example #2
i. What happened
ii. How did it contribute to the evolution of the western world
3. Examples from Chapter 11
a. Example #1
i. What happened
ii. How did it contribute to the evolution of the Western world
b. Example #2
i. What happened
ii. How did it contribute to the evolution of the western world

10. 4. Examples from Chapter 12
a. Example #1
i. What happened
ii. How did it contribute to the evolution of the Western world
b. Example #2
i. What happened
ii. How did it contribute to the evolution of the western world
5. Examples from Chapter 13
a. Example #1
i. What happened
ii. How did it contribute to the evolution of the Western world
b. Example #2
i. What happened
ii. How did it contribute to the evolution of the western world
6. Conclusion
a. Explain how all of the pieces above worked together to drive
the evolution of the Western world
b. Make note of any lessons one can learn from this

11. Annotated bibliography
Aye Shubayli
Prof. Li
New Generation of Saudi Kings and Its Implications for the
New World Order
Taylor, Adam. “Why Washington will be watching the Saudi
king’s visit to Moscow.”
Washington Post, 4 Oct. 2017,
www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2017/10/04/why
-washington-will-be-
watching-a-saudi-kings-visit-to-
moscow/?utm_term=.b8b55592d0ba.
This visit is bound to happen according to Taylor since both
nations are similar to
each other in many ways. Both countries are major oil exporters
and politically involved
in the region and Syria. US stands on this visit is still unclear
despite what Donald
Trump thinks now.

12. Stancati, Margherita, and Maureen Farrell. “Saudi Sovereign
Wealth Fund Sets Growth
Targets.” The Wall Street Journal , 25 Oct. 2017,
www.wsj.com/articles/saudi-sovereign-wealth-fund-sets-
growth-targets-1508930432.
The article discusses new plans for saudi arabia and Saudi
sovereign wealth fund.
The kingdom is expected to double its assets by 2020 to $400
billion. The new prince is
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2017/10/0
4/why-washington-will-be-watching-a-saudi-kings-visit-to-
moscow/?utm_term=.b8b55592d0ba
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2017/10/0
4/why-washington-will-be-watching-a-saudi-kings-visit-to-
moscow/?utm_term=.b8b55592d0ba
http://www.wsj.com/articles/saudi-sovereign-wealth-fund-sets-
growth-targets-1508930432
ushering saudi and the world into the next generation with
ambitious plans and selling
5% of the giant oil conglomerate Saudi Aramco.
Hope, Bradley, Stancati, Margherita, and Nicolas Parasie “Saudi
Prince Pushes Greater
Tolerance, Unveils Development Project.” 24 Oct. 2017,

13. www.wsj.com/articles/saudi-prince-pushes-greater-tolerance-
unveils-development-pro
ject-1508870120.
The writers talk about the unveiling of NEOM, which is Saudi
Arabia’s largest
project and one of a kind since it will run only on alternative
energy and has more robots
than humans. International investors from the us and japan are
joining this venture
with Saudi Arabia.The Crown Prince is denouncing extremism
and moving toward an
open Saudi and moderate policies.
Gergawi, Mishaal al. “China Is Eyeballing a Major Strategic
Investment in Saudi
Arabia's Oil.” Foreign Policy, Foreign Policy, 26 Oct. 2017,
foreignpolicy.com/2017/10/26/china-is-eyeballing-a-major-
strategic-investment-in-sau
di-arabias-oil/.
China has it is eye looking toward the future and it’s Saudi
Arabia’s oil reserves.
The Trump administration is rolling back on the Iranian deal
and the Saudis are happy

14. according to Gergawi. China wants to invest in the energy
market and buy a part of
Saudi Aramco instead of relying on Russian oil.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/saudi-prince-pushes-greater-
tolerance-unveils-development-project-1508870120
http://www.wsj.com/articles/saudi-prince-pushes-greater-
tolerance-unveils-development-project-1508870120
Robinson, Simon, Samia Nakhoul, and Stephen Kalin
“Exclusive: New Saudi mega-City
will be listed publicly, crown prince says.” Reuters, Thomson
Reuters, 26 Oct. 2017,
www.reuters.com/article/us-saudi-economy-mbs-interview-
exclusive/exclusive-new-sa
udi-mega-city-will-be-listed-publicly-crown-prince-says-
idUSKBN1CV0ZM.
Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed Bin Salman will list
the giant new city
in the market. Foreign investment from Blackstone and
SoftBank are investing over $50
billion in the new project. According to the editors, Saudi
Arabia are not too worried

15. about instability of the region from Qatar in the east, Yemen in
the south or Syria and
the terrorist groups in the north.
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-saudi-economy-mbs-
interview-exclusive/exclusive-new-saudi-mega-city-will-be-
listed-publicly-crown-prince-says-idUSKBN1CV0ZM
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-saudi-economy-mbs-
interview-exclusive/exclusive-new-saudi-mega-city-will-be-
listed-publicly-crown-prince-says-idUSKBN1CV0ZM
New Generation of Saudi Kings and Its Implications for the
New World Order
Overview
Saudi Arabia’s current king Salman Just appointed his son
to be the crown prince of the kingdom this past summer. This
research will explore what this change will mean for the
kingdom and the world.
Abstract
In summer of 2017 King Salman of Saudi Arabia (Age 81) made
his son Mohammed Bin Salman to be the Crown Prince of Saudi
Arabia (Age 32). This change in succession after 6 Kings from
the same generation came as a shock to the public. The new
Crown Prince started working on plans in place for 2030 to
include restructuring of the government and reducing
dependence on oil. Women weren’t allowed to drive but with
him in charge this law was abandoned. Aramco’s IPO ($2
trillion) will be the biggest in history and was one of his ideas
to shape domestic and the global economy. My paper will
explore the following research questions: What might be the
implications for his reform proposal mean for the rest of the
world? Recently, Saudi Arabia is strengthening relations with
Moscow. What might be the strategic implications for
Washington? Under what circumstances did the new crown
Prince make such dramatic changes in both Saudi’s domestic

16. and foreign policy? What should we anticipate with the future
king and his strategic plan for reform?
Key Words
Saudi Arabia, Salman of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman,
Oil Market, Women Rights, Saudi Economy, Foreign Policy.