I ll differ. The Iran-US deal can be mentioned as an example, that too, if Iran and US fit into our definition of a great nation. The 2000+ words cant just revolve around this single instance ultimately digressing from the main topic and discussing Iran-US relationship.

We must demonstrate the extent of our knowledge plus pen as many different areas as possible that the topic of the essay can accommodate.

If you define fight as a war thats right but what if you add struggle, raising of voice, a resolution, etc. to the meaning and discuss how great nations do that ?

Overall, Micho outline is a fair example of how we are expected to write.

This is my view and experts may help us more.