How I Learnt To Become A Better Foreign Affairs Analyst

Being a foreign affairs journalist is something exciting for me and a passion that many of you who are reading this will share whether you are researchers/journalists or otherwise. With this in mind I have picked up key learnings which have served me better whether reporting, interviewing, or writing papers on West Asia. These have proved to be very useful for me. I hope some of you may find it useful. ???????

?Look At The Map: Before attending a lecture, conducting an interview or writing an article look at the map. Preferably keep it with you. What I do is keep a world map, map of West Asia, and one with US bases in the are on my phone.

This makes it easier to tabulate when experts speak about Saudi-Yemen rivalry where are the ports Yemen is occupying, the Mallaca Straits and how narrow it is and how easily it can be a chokepoint. Most importantly it sets the ground for islands – yes where exactly is Diego Garcia, where exactly is Guam on the world map. Often studying the map before you do anything else makes it much easier.

Know Your Pipelines: I have lectured students in the past and the things I emphasise is know your pipeline.?If you talk about the West’s pressure on Russia you must speak and known about the Germany-Russia pipeline and where exactly it is. Pipelines – proposed and otherwise – are key. Recommend the reading of scholars such as Daniel Yergen – one of the world’s leading authorities on the subject.

Keep Briefs: What I have found useful is to keep short brief guides on which I focus on non-Western relations. This is not gained for internet, often I use webinars which is directly attributed to an expert. So, for instance, if I am writing about Iran – I have quotes and authentic information on the Russia-Iran or China-Iran relationship handy. They have been of great use in the past and what’s more they are authentic and non-duplicated.

Avoid Generalities: The main problem and mistake in foreign affairs is to speak of a group as one. The Taliban are clearly not one, neither is the coalition Israeli government which have a variety of opinions. So get a briefing from a scholar before you even begin to put together your article on the differences within the group and explain why they have occurred. (See My Article On Interviewing A Expert) Often many scholars are only to happy to share knowledge Then look to apply this on the hypothesis or aim you have in mind.

Care Factor: The last thing that is a must which many scholars and journalists don’t do enough off is to emphasise the point – why should anyone care? Egypt and Ethiopia are fighting so what? Why is it important in a global sense? Will it hamper India’s Africa outreach? These are questions often not dealt with because the assumption often is by the writer is that if you are reading you must be interested. Not true. People may view and find nothing of relevance that draws them in.???????????????????????????????

These points have been condensed for brevity but they have been of key importance to me both in my academic and journalistic life. Hopefully, they will be of use to you or at least make you stop to think just how you could approach your research differently for better results.

Good Luck!