How to write the introduction to an essay

Start with a reference to a recent international relations event or statement at the Italian, EU or international level that relates, or illustrates or leads into the topic of the title/question and is proof of its importance.

Then an interpretation of the title if necessary and/or a contextualizing of it.

Then your argument, the position you will take on the topic. This essay will argue that......

It can't be a non-argument, This essay will argue that economics is very important. (who would deny that? When you wrote your thesis you were encouraged to find a real thesis.

For example, This essay will argue that while economic growth is very important to any country, in a time of crisis, like that of the Coronavirus, Covid-19, it must take second place to public health at least in the short term.

Your argument should be clear, in no way extreme, politically biased or controversial in the negative sense, and should be in line with the Italian government's position (or the EU's, or the UN's) and the best academic and expert opinion. This still leaves you space to intelligently explore the doubts connected to a topic and different but legitimate approaches to the question, but you should avoid 'blaming' countries unless you think the Italian government would really use that kind of language.

At the end of your introduction, which shouldn't be more than two thirds of a page, the reader should have a clear idea of your interpretation of the title/question and what your essay will argue.

You don't have to agree with me about this!! Discuss this with your fellow students. You can work out another approach but I think any approach must bring the question in the title into focus and offer a clear and well-thought-out position on the topic, one that reflects the fact that you are trying to become a diplomat, not a journalist. The language you use in your essay should be balanced, nuanced, with the wording carefully chosen, without becoming empty, repetitious and bureaucratic. For any assertion you make you should offer proof or an example from current affairs.

On any subject, you need to show that you are

Well-informed – Have you done enough research and got the facts? What's the position of the Ministero? Are you reading its website? Can you demonstrate that? And not just the theory concerning a question (the law, for example) but real examples of the practical realities in international relations and the difficulties these create for governments and diplomats.

Up-to-date – not giving an explanation of a topic which is no longer true or no longer relevant.

Balanced – does your essay give a fair account of the issues and positions involved and come to a reasonable and diplomatic conclusion?