Art of Crafting an Opinion: What IR Students Aren’t Taught but Must Master

When I look back on my time as an International Relations (IR) student, one thing stands out clearly: I was never taught how to craft an opinion.

Like many of you, I spent years drenched in academic theories, historical analyses, and the intricacies of global politics.

But while this knowledge was invaluable, it didn’t teach me how to think beyond academia.

It didn’t prepare me to critically analyze the constant flow of global events or develop my voice in a world that desperately needs thoughtful perspectives.

Universities are excellent at teaching students to research, memorize, and recite what has already been said, but they rarely equip us with the skills to form our own opinions, let alone share them with authority.

Most of the focus is on churning out academic essays or papers that are graded and then forgotten. What’s missing is the bridge between academia and the real world—the ability to analyze global trends critically, articulate well-informed opinions, and influence decision-making.

Over the years, I’ve learnt that crafting an opinion is not just a skill; it’s an art. It requires understanding the world, dissecting information critically, and presenting your insights with clarity and conviction.

And it’s something every IR student must master if they hope to excel in this field.

Let me guide you through what you need to learn before you even think about writing your first op-ed and how you can begin to transform your voice into one that resonates with authority.

Why IR Students Struggle with Opinion Writing?

One of the greatest disservices done to IR students is the lack of emphasis on real-world skills like critical thinking, analytical writing, and staying informed about current events.

Instead, many programs focus on academic exercises that, while intellectually stimulating, don’t prepare students for the practical demands of the field.

As a result, students graduate with impressive degrees but without the ability to form opinions that are grounded in evidence and relevant to contemporary global issues.

When asked to write an op-ed or share their perspective on a topic, they often feel overwhelmed, unsure of where to start, or lack the confidence to articulate their views.

This gap between theory and practice is one I’ve seen countless times.

But it’s also one that can be bridged with the right guidance and effort.

Foundations of Crafting an Opinion

Before you can write an opinion piece, you must build a solid foundation. Crafting an opinion is not about expressing whatever comes to mind—it’s about forming insights that are informed, analytical, and persuasive. This requires three essential skills:

1. Following Global News Consistently To have an opinion, you must first know what’s happening in the world. But following the news isn’t just about skimming headlines—it’s about engaging deeply with credible sources, identifying patterns, and understanding the broader implications of events.

Start by curating a mix of reliable sources.

Often, people ask you to follow global media news outlets, but I strongly advise you to have your twitter handle and other social media handles ready and optimized to follow the latest trends and news

Combine these social media outlets by following the leading media's Twitter handles and official sources.

Create a daily reading habit and keep a journal where you can jot down your thoughts, questions, and observations.

Don’t just read passively.

Challenge yourself to think critically about what you’re consuming.

Ask yourself:

• Why is this issue being reported now?
• What’s the historical or political context?
• How might this event shape regional or global dynamics?

Over time, this practice will sharpen your ability to see the bigger picture and connect seemingly unrelated events—an invaluable skill when forming opinions.

2. Writing Analytical Reports Before you can write persuasively, you must learn to write analytically.

Analytical reports are your training ground—they teach you how to break down complex issues, evaluate evidence, and present balanced arguments.

Choose a topic that interests you, whether it’s a recent diplomatic crisis, a global health challenge, or a climate policy debate.

Research it thoroughly, pulling from diverse sources to get multiple perspectives.

Write a brief report summarizing the issue, outlining key stakeholders, and analyzing its potential implications.

This exercise forces you to move beyond surface-level commentary and dig into the “why” and “how” of global events. It also helps you develop a structured approach to writing, which is critical for crafting impactful op-eds.

3. Developing Critical Thinking: Critical thinking is the backbone of opinion writing. Without it, your arguments will lack depth and rigor. To develop this skill, question everything. When you encounter a news story, ask yourself:

• Who benefits from this narrative?
• What perspectives are missing?
• What alternative explanations could exist?

Engage with opposing viewpoints, even if they challenge your own beliefs. This will broaden your understanding and help you anticipate counterarguments—a crucial element of persuasive writing.

From Analysis to Authority

Once you’ve honed these foundational skills, you’ll find that writing opinion pieces becomes a natural extension of your learning.

The process of following news, writing analytically, and thinking critically equips you with the tools to craft opinions that are well-informed, balanced, and compelling.

But it doesn’t end there.

Writing an op-ed requires clarity, focus, and confidence.

Your arguments must be concise, your evidence solid, and your voice distinct.

Practice is key.

The more you write, the more you’ll refine your ability to communicate complex ideas effectively.

How We Can Help You Get There

At The Diplomatic Insight, we understand how challenging it can be to bridge the gap between academia and the real world. That’s why we’ve designed our internship program to help students like you develop the skills you need to succeed in International Relations.

Through our program, you’ll have the opportunity to work on real-world projects, write analytical reports, and craft opinion pieces under the guidance of experienced mentors. We’ll teach you how to follow global events, analyze them critically, and translate your insights into impactful writing.

More importantly, we’ll help you find your voice—one that resonates with authority and confidence. By the end of the program, you’ll have a portfolio of work that not only showcases your expertise but also sets you apart in the competitive field of IR.

Before you leave..

Crafting an opinion is more than just a skill—it’s a journey.

It requires dedication, curiosity, and a willingness to step out of your comfort zone.

But it’s also one of the most rewarding skills you can develop as an IR student.

So start now.

Follow the news with intention, write analytically, and question everything.

If you need guidance, consider joining our internship program. We’ll help you build the skills you need to succeed.

Remember, your voice can shape conversations, influence decisions, and inspire change. It’s time to use it. Let’s get started.

Have a great weekend.

Love

From my screen to yours!

Dr. Farhat Asif