Offered in a broad range of subjects, our graduate courses cover an entire semester’s worth of material at an accelerated pace. Take an in-depth look at a subject area in small, focused classes while learning from distinguished Georgetown faculty.
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| Number | Course Name | Faculty | Time | Session | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GOVT-432-15 | Politics & Film |
Boyd, Richard |
PM | Main First Session | Click to read more about GOVT-432-15 |
The important and long-standing interplay between politics and film is the focus of this course. Three general questions characterize this examination. First, what ideological, chronological, or cultural differences mark different films focusing on a common political object, such as the American Dream or war? What accounts for these differences? Second, how political is an individual movie? How expansive should the definition of political content be? Third, how effective is the specific genre in conveying the intended political message? Are propaganda films really more effective than the indirect messages found in mainstream blockbusters? We begin with a general overview of the film-politics relationship and a brief discussion of the various perspectives and theories that illuminate the connection. Next, we look at the most obvious political films: the propaganda movies Triumph of the Will and Birth of a Nation. Next we look at the documentary genre through a contemporary production Paragraph 175 and a classic, Wiseman’s Titicut Follies. A discussion of political satire follows, focused on Chaplin’s Great Dictator and South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut. The next section delves into Hollywood’s image of America and American politics. The first two films revolve around the presentation of the American Dream, exemplified by Citizen Kane, and Forrest Gump, movies separated by 50 years. Then we look at the more focused theme of the image of Washington politics through Capra’s classic Mr. Smith Goes to Washington and Wag the Dog. On a different note, we discuss one of the most unexpectedly political films, Dangerous Liaisons, a study in political personality, power maximization and unadulterated competition. The last section thematizes war and genocide. In contrast to typical heroic representations of WWII, we look at a Japanese animated feature, Grave of the Fireflies, which reveals a substantially different cultural and political sensibility, as well as the Oscar-winning glimpse of Hitler’s last days, Downfall. For the Cold War we will analyze The Manchurian Candidate and From Russia with Love. Next comes The Deer Hunter, a masterpiece that best captures the pervasive malaise of the Vietnam War period, both at home and at the front. The final films delve into an historical theme with great contemporary political and ethical relevance: the Holocaust as depicted in Spielberg’s Schindler’s List and Holland’s Europa, Europa. |
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| GOVT-452-25 | Dept Sem:Third World Politics |
Brumberg, Daniel |
PM | Main Second Session | Click to read more about GOVT-452-25 |
This course engages four major themes in “Third World” Politics. For historical perspective on current concerns we begin with the literature on colonialism and the state. The second part of the course addresses democracy and democratization. The third part of the course explores persistent authoritarianism in the Middle East and North Africa in light of the concepts, theories, and propositions in the democratization literature. Part four turns to socioeconomic development in the Third World. The major focus is on the role of the state in Late Developers. In conclusion, we turn to student research on the Politics of the Third World. This course has been renumbered, effective Fal 2014. A student who has earned credit in GOVT 404 Third World Politics in a prior term should not enroll and cannot earn credit in this class. |
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| GOVX-518-01 | DemocraticTrans |
Brumberg, Daniel |
PM | Main Presession | Click to read more about GOVX-518-01 |
This course offers a comprehensive theoretical and empirical overview of the politics of regime transitions and democratic consolidation in developing states. The focus will be on the challenge of moving beyond processes of negotiation and “pact making” in transitioning systems to consolidating democratic institutions, laws, rules, processes and norms. The first section of the class will address different arenas through which dynamics of consolidation typically unfold, including the rebuilding of legislatures, electoral systems and political parties, private sector market reforms, the restructuring of security sectors, and the shift from transitional to sustained justice and judicial independence. Topics such as corruption, peace building in divided societies, and the role of international institutions in supporting consolidation will also be explored. In the second section of the class students will consider a range of cases drawn from different regions including Eastern Europe, Latin America, Southeast Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Cases of both successful and failed consolidation will be included in order to help identify policy choices, contexts and sequences that advance or undercut democratic consolidation. Section Three of the course will consist of producing a class paper based on the readings and field trip. This will include class presentation of key research questions and findings. To enhance the students’ understanding of the theory and practice of democratic consolidation students will spend one week in Tunisia. In the wake of the 2011 Arab political uprisings, Tunisia was the only country that experienced an actual transition from autocracy to democracy. 2014 marked the end of the transition period and the beginning of democratic consolidation, a process that is still unfolding today. In conjunction with the “Tunis Exchange” (see below) over a period of six days, students will meet with a diverse range of actors: political leaders from government, the parties and the parliament, NGO social activists, scholars, security reform experts, journalists, business leaders, American embassy officials and representatives from international assistance groups based in Tunisia. These meetings will not be limited to the capital Tunis. Students will undertake a two day trip to a rural town, where they will meet with governmental leaders, business people, and social activists who are grappling with a range of developmental challenges. |
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| GOVX-518-02 | DemocraticTrans |
Brumberg, Daniel |
PM | Main Presession | Click to read more about GOVX-518-02 |
This course offers a comprehensive theoretical and empirical overview of the politics of regime transitions and democratic consolidation in developing states. The focus will be on the challenge of moving beyond processes of negotiation and “pact making” in transitioning systems to consolidating democratic institutions, laws, rules, processes and norms. The first section of the class will address different arenas through which dynamics of consolidation typically unfold, including the rebuilding of legislatures, electoral systems and political parties, private sector market reforms, the restructuring of security sectors, and the shift from transitional to sustained justice and judicial independence. Topics such as corruption, peace building in divided societies, and the role of international institutions in supporting consolidation will also be explored. In the second section of the class students will consider a range of cases drawn from different regions including Eastern Europe, Latin America, Southeast Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Cases of both successful and failed consolidation will be included in order to help identify policy choices, contexts and sequences that advance or undercut democratic consolidation. Section Three of the course will consist of producing a class paper based on the readings and field trip. This will include class presentation of key research questions and findings. To enhance the students’ understanding of the theory and practice of democratic consolidation students will spend one week in Tunisia. In the wake of the 2011 Arab political uprisings, Tunisia was the only country that experienced an actual transition from autocracy to democracy. 2014 marked the end of the transition period and the beginning of democratic consolidation, a process that is still unfolding today. In conjunction with the “Tunis Exchange” (see below) over a period of six days, students will meet with a diverse range of actors: political leaders from government, the parties and the parliament, NGO social activists, scholars, security reform experts, journalists, business leaders, American embassy officials and representatives from international assistance groups based in Tunisia. These meetings will not be limited to the capital Tunis. Students will undertake a two day trip to a rural town, where they will meet with governmental leaders, business people, and social activists who are grappling with a range of developmental challenges. This section is reserved for students not enrolled in the Democracy & Government MA Program. |
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| MATH-513-30 | Intro:Non-Parametric Stats |
Diver, Paul |
PM | Cross Session | Click to read more about MATH-513-30 |
This course provides a survey of nonparametric and rank based methods for data analysis. Frequently, common assumptions about the distributional form of data, required for many hypothesis testing or model building techniques, are violated. Ignoring these violations can lead to misleading or incorrect conclusions. Nonparametric and rank based methods provide statistically valid methods of analysis while requiring minimal assumptions about the data to be analyzed. Some topics covered will include one, two, and K-sample tests of hypotheses including, but not limited to, permutation tests, Wilcoxon Rank-Sum test, Mann-Whitney test, and the Kruskal Wallis test. Further topics including paired comparisons, blocked design, multivariate tests, and nonparametric bootstrap methods, among others, will also be covered. Students should expect a mix of theory and application. Textbook:Introduction to Modern Nonparametric Statistics James J. Higgins ISBN-10: 0534387756 Optional - Not necessary, but may help students: John Kloke and Joseph W. McKean ISBN-10: 1439873437 Open to Math/Stat Graduate Students only. |
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| SEST-520-40 | Counterinsurgency |
Connable, Alfred |
PM | Full Term | Click to read more about SEST-520-40 |
This course examines the dynamics of insurgency (a political-military challenge to the ruling order using an array of asymmetric means, including guerrilla warfare and subversion) and counterinsurgency (the government response). Continuing US involvement in Afghanistan and ongoing conflicts in Iraq, Syria, and elsewhere demonstrate that insurgent conflict continues to challenge US and broader Western interests, but also offers opportunities to the US. This course is intended to acquaint students with the nature of insurgency—its causes, strategies, and dynamics—and the fundamentals and past and contemporary variants of counterinsurgency, and by doing so to establish a solid foundation upon which to further build expertise and analytical capabilities. The course considers a wide range of questions in order to provide students with a deeper understanding of the dynamics of insurgency and the evolution of counterinsurgency doctrine and methods: What is insurgency and how does it differ from terrorism? Why do individuals join, remain in, and leave insurgencies? What strategies and approaches do insurgent leaders select and how have those approaches evolved over time? Are certain insurgent organizational arrangements better than others? Why does insurgency succeed and fail? What is the role of popular and external support in both insurgency and counterinsurgency? How has counterinsurgency evolved and are there counterinsurgency “best practices”? How do the challenges of “small footprint”/indirect counterinsurgency differ from those of large-scale foreign counterinsurgency interventions? What are the appropriate counterinsurgency responses for contemporary insurgencies? This section is for SEST students only. |
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| SEST-520-41 | Counterinsurgency |
Connable, Alfred |
PM | Full Term | Click to read more about SEST-520-41 |
This course examines the dynamics of insurgency (a political-military challenge to the ruling order using an array of asymmetric means, including guerrilla warfare and subversion) and counterinsurgency (the government response). Continuing US involvement in Afghanistan and ongoing conflicts in Iraq, Syria, and elsewhere demonstrate that insurgent conflict continues to challenge US and broader Western interests, but also offers opportunities to the US. This course is intended to acquaint students with the nature of insurgency—its causes, strategies, and dynamics—and the fundamentals and past and contemporary variants of counterinsurgency, and by doing so to establish a solid foundation upon which to further build expertise and analytical capabilities. The course considers a wide range of questions in order to provide students with a deeper understanding of the dynamics of insurgency and the evolution of counterinsurgency doctrine and methods: What is insurgency and how does it differ from terrorism? Why do individuals join, remain in, and leave insurgencies? What strategies and approaches do insurgent leaders select and how have those approaches evolved over time? Are certain insurgent organizational arrangements better than others? Why does insurgency succeed and fail? What is the role of popular and external support in both insurgency and counterinsurgency? How has counterinsurgency evolved and are there counterinsurgency “best practices”? How do the challenges of “small footprint”/indirect counterinsurgency differ from those of large-scale foreign counterinsurgency interventions? What are the appropriate counterinsurgency responses for contemporary insurgencies? Section for non-SEST students only. |
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| SEST-521-40 | Theory & Prac of Intelligence |
Marquis, Kate |
PM | Full Term | Click to read more about SEST-521-40 |
Fall: This course explores two primary questions: what is intelligence good for, and how can we know? Intelligence is generally viewed as an applied subject, studied primarily by practitioners. This course bridges the gap between theory and practice, encouraging students to examine the role of intelligence organizations in government and how the secrecy surrounding intelligence contributes to, and challenges, national security and transparency in governance. While the primary focus will be on the American intelligence system, the course addresses comparative issues in the study of intelligence, including themes and examples that transcend particular national and political contexts. This course will introduce students to fundamental issues in intelligence studies, including the role of intelligence in national security decision-making, elements of intelligence success and failure, and oversight. Class participants will gain a working understanding of the different types of intelligence, the range of responsibilities that elements of an intelligence community hold, and the relationship between intelligence and the policy-making process. Beyond technical aspects of intelligence functions, students will explore the political context that frames intelligence operations, evaluating how intelligence information relates to high-level government decision-making and to the conduct of foreign policy. Finally, students will consider some of the major normative questions regarding intelligence, such as: what the appropriate role for intelligence should be in a democracy, how transparent intelligence should be to the public, and how its vast array of activities should be supervised. Course Format This course is a seminar; the course is formatted to facilitate student-driven learning. Participants will be expected to come to class prepared and to demonstrate active, critical exploration of course material throughout the semester. Class meetings will focus on group discussion of course material, led each week by student presentations on class readings. Spring: This course will explore the organization and functions of the U.S. intelligence community, its interaction with national security policymakers, and the challenges it faces in defining its future role. Students will evaluate issues of intelligence collection, analysis, counterintelligence, and covert action, including how decision-makers use intelligence. The course will highlight some of the major debates about the role, practices, and problems of national intelligence. The course seeks to improve students’ writing skills and to cultivate the ability to engage in critical thinking, analysis, and independent learning. To that end, reading, discussing, and writing about the assigned material will be the central activities of the course. The goal is for students to leave the class possessing not only a better understanding of specific co This section is for SEST students only. |
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| SEST-521-41 | Theory & Prac of Intelligence |
Marquis, Kate |
PM | Full Term | Click to read more about SEST-521-41 |
Fall: This course explores two primary questions: what is intelligence good for, and how can we know? Intelligence is generally viewed as an applied subject, studied primarily by practitioners. This course bridges the gap between theory and practice, encouraging students to examine the role of intelligence organizations in government and how the secrecy surrounding intelligence contributes to, and challenges, national security and transparency in governance. While the primary focus will be on the American intelligence system, the course addresses comparative issues in the study of intelligence, including themes and examples that transcend particular national and political contexts. This course will introduce students to fundamental issues in intelligence studies, including the role of intelligence in national security decision-making, elements of intelligence success and failure, and oversight. Class participants will gain a working understanding of the different types of intelligence, the range of responsibilities that elements of an intelligence community hold, and the relationship between intelligence and the policy-making process. Beyond technical aspects of intelligence functions, students will explore the political context that frames intelligence operations, evaluating how intelligence information relates to high-level government decision-making and to the conduct of foreign policy. Finally, students will consider some of the major normative questions regarding intelligence, such as: what the appropriate role for intelligence should be in a democracy, how transparent intelligence should be to the public, and how its vast array of activities should be supervised. Course Format This course is a seminar; the course is formatted to facilitate student-driven learning. Participants will be expected to come to class prepared and to demonstrate active, critical exploration of course material throughout the semester. Class meetings will focus on group discussion of course material, led each week by student presentations on class readings. Spring: This course will explore the organization and functions of the U.S. intelligence community, its interaction with national security policymakers, and the challenges it faces in defining its future role. Students will evaluate issues of intelligence collection, analysis, counterintelligence, and covert action, including how decision-makers use intelligence. The course will highlight some of the major debates about the role, practices, and problems of national intelligence. The course seeks to improve students’ writing skills and to cultivate the ability to engage in critical thinking, analysis, and independent learning. To that end, reading, discussing, and writing about the assigned material will be the central activities of the course. The goal is for students to leave the class possessing not only a better understanding of specific co This section is for NON SEST students only. |
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| SEST-526-20 | Advanced Military Operations |
Gordon, J |
PM | Summer 6-Week Session II | Click to read more about SEST-526-20 |
This course will examine conventional military operations from the period of World War I to the present. The course format will consist of a mixture of roughly 50 percent military and 50 percent description of how modern military forces are organized, equipped, and trained for conventional combat operations. Students will develop an understanding of how military forces have evolved during this period as well as how military technology has changed in the past century and how those changes gave influenced the way operations are conducted. While the majority of the course will focus on conventional combat, there will be some reference to so-called “low intensity” operations such as counter insurgency, in so far as those types of operations have had a bearing on how conventional forces prepare for and conduct operations. The course will start with a brief overview of the state of military art and science at the turn of the 20th Century. This will be followed by an overview of 20th Century military campaigns that will continue into the early 21st Century. (posted 10-22-08) This section is for SEST students only. |
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| SEST-526-21 | Advanced Military Operations |
Gordon, J |
PM | Summer 6-Week Session II | Click to read more about SEST-526-21 |
This course will examine conventional military operations from the period of World War I to the present. The course format will consist of a mixture of roughly 50 percent military and 50 percent description of how modern military forces are organized, equipped, and trained for conventional combat operations. Students will develop an understanding of how military forces have evolved during this period as well as how military technology has changed in the past century and how those changes gave influenced the way operations are conducted. While the majority of the course will focus on conventional combat, there will be some reference to so-called “low intensity” operations such as counter insurgency, in so far as those types of operations have had a bearing on how conventional forces prepare for and conduct operations. The course will start with a brief overview of the state of military art and science at the turn of the 20th Century. This will be followed by an overview of 20th Century military campaigns that will continue into the early 21st Century. (posted 10-22-08) This section is for non-SEST students only. |
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| SEST-530-10 | Core: International Security |
Stanley, Elizabeth |
PM | Summer 6-Week Session I | Click to read more about SEST-530-10 |
This is a required course for students in the Security Studies Program who have a concentration in International Security. It is also suitable for non-specialists who are interested in a survey of international security issues. The course examines a wide array of military and non-military factors that influence international security. The first section of the course provides students with a theoretical and conceptual overview of the traditional security agenda. The second section of the course looks at how the security agenda has been broadened to include sub-national and transnational challenges, such nuclear proliferation, cyber and biosecurity threats, environmental and demographic stress, democratization, political violence (civil and ethnic conflict, insurgency, and terrorism), and protracted conflicts. The third section of the course examines responses to this contemporary security agenda, concluding with a discussion about U.S. grand strategy in the face of these security challenges. |
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| SEST-530-11 | Core: International Security |
Stanley, Elizabeth |
PM | Summer 6-Week Session I | Click to read more about SEST-530-11 |
This is a required course for students in the Security Studies Program who have a concentration in International Security. It is also suitable for non-specialists who are interested in a survey of international security issues. The course examines a wide array of military and non-military factors that influence international security. The first section of the course provides students with a theoretical and conceptual overview of the traditional security agenda. The second section of the course looks at how the security agenda has been broadened to include sub-national and transnational challenges, such nuclear proliferation, cyber and biosecurity threats, environmental and demographic stress, democratization, political violence (civil and ethnic conflict, insurgency, and terrorism), and protracted conflicts. The third section of the course examines responses to this contemporary security agenda, concluding with a discussion about U.S. grand strategy in the face of these security challenges. Prof Liz Stanley |
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| SEST-567-20 | Space Technologies & Security |
Johnson, Dana Weeden, Brian |
PM | Summer 6-Week Session II | Click to read more about SEST-567-20 |
This course examines the extent to which spacepower influences national security strategy and international security. The course looks at the historical and policy foundation for the role of U.S. and international space programs and activities in international affairs. It then addresses current issues facing U.S. space programs, including efforts to reorganize national security space activities and to forge a new direction for military space programs. The course also addresses strategic choices facing other nations in space activities, including continued dependence on U.S., European, and Russian space capabilities, developing indigenous space programs, and reliance on commercial space activities. Conflicts over dual-use technologies, such as space launch, remote sensing, satellite navigation, and communications, will be examined for their implications for foreign policy. This section is for SEST and SEST/Law students only |
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| SEST-567-21 | Space Technologies & Security |
Johnson, Dana Weeden, Brian |
PM | Summer 6-Week Session II | Click to read more about SEST-567-21 |
This course examines the extent to which spacepower influences national security strategy and international security. The course looks at the historical and policy foundation for the role of U.S. and international space programs and activities in international affairs. It then addresses current issues facing U.S. space programs, including efforts to reorganize national security space activities and to forge a new direction for military space programs. The course also addresses strategic choices facing other nations in space activities, including continued dependence on U.S., European, and Russian space capabilities, developing indigenous space programs, and reliance on commercial space activities. Conflicts over dual-use technologies, such as space launch, remote sensing, satellite navigation, and communications, will be examined for their implications for foreign policy. This section is for non SEST and SEST/Law students |
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| SEST-571-10 | Security in East Asia |
Harold, Scott |
PM | Summer 6-Week Session I | Click to read more about SEST-571-10 |
This course focuses on the principal security issues and trends in East Asia. It surveys key countries in region, but it also analyzes the major cross-cutting, security-related challenges and opportunities facing the region, including security arrangements, nuclear and conventional weapon proliferation, missile defenses, energy and environmental security, and sociopolitical changes. This section is for SEST students only. |
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| SEST-571-11 | Security in East Asia |
Harold, Scott |
PM | Summer 6-Week Session I | Click to read more about SEST-571-11 |
This course focuses on the principal security issues and trends in East Asia. It surveys key countries in region, but it also analyzes the major cross-cutting, security-related challenges and opportunities facing the region, including security arrangements, nuclear and conventional weapon proliferation, missile defenses, energy and environmental security, and sociopolitical changes. This section is for non SEST students only. |
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| SEST-572-20 | Europe, Security & Competition | PM | Summer 6-Week Session II | Click to read more about SEST-572-20 | |
This course provides students with a broad understanding of European security in an era of great power competition. Students will learn about various European threat perceptions, actors and decision-making as they unfold. European security is becoming a space for a fight in which the United States, Russia and China have major stakes. Are Europeans creating strategic autonomy or relying on NATO for their defense? What are the major issues of contention and contradicting visions within Europe on issues of security and defense? The course addresses these questions, delving into European policy. Students will leave the class possessing a comprehensive understanding of the most important contemporary aspects of European security. To this end, the course has two objectives. The first objective is to analyze the actors and mechanisms of European security by exploring the following features: European security’s principal powers and institutions, governing systems, and foreign and defense, immigration, and energy policies. The second objective is to examine the most important current European security issue areas/dossiers by critically analyzing divergences between key European states. Students will learn about these issues in the context of the EU’s role in international politics, with ongoing reference to the U.S. and other EU partners, as well as to conventional and unconventional security challenges stemming from Russia and China. Prof. Iulia Joja This section for SEST Students |
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| SEST-572-21 | Europe, Security & Competition | PM | Summer 6-Week Session II | Click to read more about SEST-572-21 | |
This course provides students with a broad understanding of European security in an era of great power competition. Students will learn about various European threat perceptions, actors and decision-making as they unfold. European security is becoming a space for a fight in which the United States, Russia and China have major stakes. Are Europeans creating strategic autonomy or relying on NATO for their defense? What are the major issues of contention and contradicting visions within Europe on issues of security and defense? The course addresses these questions, delving into European policy. Students will leave the class possessing a comprehensive understanding of the most important contemporary aspects of European security. To this end, the course has two objectives. The first objective is to analyze the actors and mechanisms of European security by exploring the following features: European security’s principal powers and institutions, governing systems, and foreign and defense, immigration, and energy policies. The second objective is to examine the most important current European security issue areas/dossiers by critically analyzing divergences between key European states. Students will learn about these issues in the context of the EU’s role in international politics, with ongoing reference to the U.S. and other EU partners, as well as to conventional and unconventional security challenges stemming from Russia and China. Prof. Iulia Joja This section is for NON SEST students only. |
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| SEST-581-21 | Challenges of Chem/Bio Weapons | PM | Summer 6-Week Session II | Click to read more about SEST-581-21 | |
This course will provide an understanding of chemical and biological warfare (CBW) issues from primarily a policy perspective, including U.S. and international efforts to prevent and respond to the CBW threat. The course will address three main objectives: 1. Understand basic technical aspects of chemical and biological weapons and technology. 2. Understand the application of CBW in a historical context, including international agreements. Discuss when and why these weapons have been used; how U.S. CBW policy has evolved; and, how key events helped shape current policies and practices in mitigating the threat of CBW employment and proliferation. 3. Understand the challenges of responding to CBW threats, including: the contemporary issues with state and non-state actor employment of CBW; the impact of dual-use technology associated with advances in life sciences and bioengineering; and, the complexities of identifying and detecting biological and chemical weapons deployment and delivery. Prof. Brendan Melley This section for NON SEST students |
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| SEST-586-10 | Globl Terrorism & CT in Europe |
Reinares, Fernando |
PM | Summer 6-Week Session I | Click to read more about SEST-586-10 |
The course is designed to provide students with substantive and analytical knowledge on the evolution of global terrorism and the global terrorist threat in Western Europe, as well as on the diverse national counterterrorism policies and the common European Union counterterrorism approach. Students will learn about the penetration and terrorism-related activities of Al Qaeda and associated jihadist organizations in Western Europe prior to 9/11, and their subsequent development until Osama bin Laden’s death, examining in detail the significance of major attacks and plots. All this before exploring the recent, unprecedented cycle of jihadist mobilization, prompted mainly by Islamic State insurgency in Syria and Iraq, which has affected, though in varying degrees, Western European countries, and is expected to have lasting and differential effects. Special attention is given, in this respect, both to the phenomenon of foreign terrorist fighters from Western Europe and to the spate of terrorist attacks perpetrated in Western Europe by a variety of individual and collective actors. The course addresses how Western European nations have adapted their security strategies, policies and programs facing the multiple and increasingly complex challenges posed by the evolving global terrorism threat. This section for SEST students only. |
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| SEST-586-11 | Globl Terrorism & CT in Europe |
Reinares, Fernando |
PM | Summer 6-Week Session I | Click to read more about SEST-586-11 |
The course is designed to provide students with substantive and analytical knowledge on the evolution of global terrorism and the global terrorist threat in Western Europe, as well as on the diverse national counterterrorism policies and the common European Union counterterrorism approach. Students will learn about the penetration and terrorism-related activities of Al Qaeda and associated jihadist organizations in Western Europe prior to 9/11, and their subsequent development until Osama bin Laden’s death, examining in detail the significance of major attacks and plots. All this before exploring the recent, unprecedented cycle of jihadist mobilization, prompted mainly by Islamic State insurgency in Syria and Iraq, which has affected, though in varying degrees, Western European countries, and is expected to have lasting and differential effects. Special attention is given, in this respect, both to the phenomenon of foreign terrorist fighters from Western Europe and to the spate of terrorist attacks perpetrated in Western Europe by a variety of individual and collective actors. The course addresses how Western European nations have adapted their security strategies, policies and programs facing the multiple and increasingly complex challenges posed by the evolving global terrorism threat. This section is for non-SEST students only. |
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| SEST-607-20 | Counterintelligence Today |
Priestap, Edward |
PM | Summer 6-Week Session II | Click to read more about SEST-607-20 |
Despite their importance, nation state intelligence (and intelligence-like) threats and counterintelligence responses are often shrouded in mystery. This course is designed to clarify these topics. To do this, the course will first generally explore the historical and current purposes and practices of intelligence and counterintelligence. It will then examine select aspects of current nation state intelligence threats, in particular espionage, economic espionage, proliferation, malign influence, and predatory business practices. Each of these aspects will be explored relative to nation states’ objectives, the various organizations/people involved in the intelligence activities, and the nefarious activities engaged in. The course will also consider United States private and public sector responses to current nation state intelligence threats. This section for SEST students only |
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| SEST-607-21 | Counterintelligence Today |
Priestap, Edward |
PM | Full Term | Click to read more about SEST-607-21 |
Despite their importance, nation state intelligence (and intelligence-like) threats and counterintelligence responses are often shrouded in mystery. This course is designed to clarify these topics. To do this, the course will first generally explore the historical and current purposes and practices of intelligence and counterintelligence. It will then examine select aspects of current nation state intelligence threats, in particular espionage, economic espionage, proliferation, malign influence, and predatory business practices. Each of these aspects will be explored relative to nation states’ objectives, the various organizations/people involved in the intelligence activities, and the nefarious activities engaged in. The course will also consider United States private and public sector responses to current nation state intelligence threats. This section for NON SEST students only |
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| SEST-608-20 | DPRK Nuclear/Missile Programs |
Mansourov, Alexandre |
PM | Summer 6-Week Session II | Click to read more about SEST-608-20 |
This course examines critical policy issues concerning North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs and has three purposes. The first is to provide students with an in-depth knowledge of the origins, evolution, and current status of the DPRK’s nuclear and missile programs. The goal is to enable students to make accurate and reliable assessments of the DPRK WMD capabilities and intentions, the main drivers and constraints, key issues and challenges shaping the development of North Korean nuclear and missile programs. An additional goal is to enable students to better understand what role the WMDs play in Pyongyang’s overall national security strategy, military strategy, and foreign policy and to determine what policy instruments North Korean decision-makers use to advance Pyongyang’s WMD programs in the context of international isolation and sanctions. The second purpose is for students to develop critical thinking and analytical tradecraft skills so that they can produce high quality analytical products for various types of consumers, using open source data and structured analytical techniques. The third purpose is to introduce main DPRK and North Korea-related open sources available online in the public domain for policy relevant research and analysis This section for SEST students only |
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| SEST-608-21 | DPRK Nuclear/Missile Programs |
Mansourov, Alexandre |
PM | Summer 6-Week Session II | Click to read more about SEST-608-21 |
This course examines critical policy issues concerning North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs and has three purposes. The first is to provide students with an in-depth knowledge of the origins, evolution, and current status of the DPRK’s nuclear and missile programs. The goal is to enable students to make accurate and reliable assessments of the DPRK WMD capabilities and intentions, the main drivers and constraints, key issues and challenges shaping the development of North Korean nuclear and missile programs. An additional goal is to enable students to better understand what role the WMDs play in Pyongyang’s overall national security strategy, military strategy, and foreign policy and to determine what policy instruments North Korean decision-makers use to advance Pyongyang’s WMD programs in the context of international isolation and sanctions. The second purpose is for students to develop critical thinking and analytical tradecraft skills so that they can produce high quality analytical products for various types of consumers, using open source data and structured analytical techniques. The third purpose is to introduce main DPRK and North Korea-related open sources available online in the public domain for policy relevant research and analysis This section for NON-SEST students only |
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| SEST-610-10 | Civil Military Relations |
Wineman, Bradford |
PM | Summer 6-Week Session I | Click to read more about SEST-610-10 |
The study of civil-military relations addresses a simple puzzle: can we have a military strong enough to protect civilians yet not so strong as to ignore or subvert civilian direction? After all, a military that is strong enough to defend the state from its external enemies is also strong enough to seize power so as to rule for itself. How do you have a strong military capability without being swallowed by it? In this course, we will examine the variety of ways that the civil-military relationship can vary -- how political leaders, society and military organizations interact, and how their cultures overlap and diverge. This course will examine a broad range of topics regarding civil military relations to extend beyond just the relationship of the government and the army to include such issues as media, war crimes, and race/gender in modern warfare. It will help inform the statesman, professional military officer and citizen in creating a better understanding of his/her role in relation to their government and society. Prof. Brad Wineman . This section is for SEST students only. |
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| SEST-626-10 | The Oil Problem in Int Rel |
Arakon, Maya |
PM | Summer 6-Week Session I | Click to read more about SEST-626-10 |
The world’s economic and political developments of the last century played out against the backdrop of a steadily rising supply of energy, especially oil. There are signs that this period of “easy energy” is coming to an end, turning energy into a major economic and political issue in its own right. Recent evidence suggests that we may pass the point at which the world’s annual conventional oil production reaches a maximum after which it inevitably declines. In a broader sense, this decline also stands for the economic, political, and societal effects of a dramatically changing energy supply. These effects will create unprecedented problems, risks and opportunities for policy makers as well as for consumers and businesses. Prof. Maya Arakon This section is for SEST students only. |
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| SEST-626-11 | The Oil Problem in Int Rel |
Arakon, Maya |
PM | Summer 6-Week Session I | Click to read more about SEST-626-11 |
The world’s economic and political developments of the last century played out against the backdrop of a steadily rising supply of energy, especially oil. There are signs that this period of “easy energy” is coming to an end, turning energy into a major economic and political issue in its own right. Recent evidence suggests that we may pass the point at which the world’s annual conventional oil production reaches a maximum after which it inevitably declines. In a broader sense, this decline also stands for the economic, political, and societal effects of a dramatically changing energy supply. These effects will create unprecedented problems, risks and opportunities for policy makers as well as for consumers and businesses. Prof. Maya Arakon This section is for non-SEST students only. |
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| SEST-634-40 | China & the Internat'l Order |
Bestani, Robert |
PM | Full Term | Click to read more about SEST-634-40 |
The sudden and wholly unexpected rise of China has dramatically changed the world’s economic, political and military landscape. While this change is, in many ways, a restoration of the historic role that China played for thousands of years, China is now encountering a world unlike any that it has ever seen. They have never encountered an established power as strong as the United States, while at the same time, its neighbors such as India, Japan, Korea, etc. are emerging as powers in their own right. Moreover, China’s prosperity is now heavily dependent on resources from countries from around the planet. This has forced China to play a much bigger and more engaged role with the rest of the world. The result is the most formidable power and potential advesary the United States has ever faced in the history our nation. The same can be said for China. This elective focuses in on China and its relations with the Unitied States and the major powers of Asia. It recognizes that China will be the most critical economic, security and foreign policy challenge for the U.S. and its Asian neighbors, who are increasingly depending on us as we step through the 21st Century. At the same time, America’s post WWII role as the world’s “reluctant sheriff” is going through a profound re-examination both at home and abroad. New challenges and roles are quickly evolving. The aim of this course is to examine, discuss and shed light on China’s new position and place in the early 21st Century. This section is for SEST students only. |
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| SEST-635-20 | Hands-on Cyber Forensics |
Boyd, Garrett |
PM | Summer 6-Week Session II | Click to read more about SEST-635-20 |
This course will provide students with an introduction to network intrusions investigations through network and host forensic methodologies. The bulk of this course, however, will be a hands-on practical implementation of the methodologies. Students will apply our understanding of these methodologies to conduct multiple investigations that portray real-world events. During the semester we will gain a deeper understanding of attack techniques, forensic tools, and process, including but not limited to: The cyclical incident handling process Different malicious program types Detecting malicious applications and network activity Common attack techniques that compromise hosts Detecting and analyzing host and network vulnerabilities Continuous process improvement by discovering the root causes of incidents This course will rely on practical in-class labs. We will use open-source tools to collect and analyze forensic artifact data in order to understand how malicious activity occurred, the malicious activities end result, and how to mitigate these events from occurring in the future. We will also review data from previously disclosed incidents and present our critiques of existing analysis of these incidents. Students will be graded on the following: - participation in classroom and homework exercises - one in-class presentation - a final write up of the forensic investigation |
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| SEST-635-21 | Hands-on Cyber Forensics |
Boyd, Garrett |
PM | Summer 6-Week Session II | Click to read more about SEST-635-21 |
This course will provide students with an introduction to network intrusions investigations through network and host forensic methodologies. The bulk of this course, however, will be a hands-on practical implementation of the methodologies. Students will apply our understanding of these methodologies to conduct multiple investigations that portray real-world events. During the semester we will gain a deeper understanding of attack techniques, forensic tools, and process, including but not limited to: The cyclical incident handling process Different malicious program types Detecting malicious applications and network activity Common attack techniques that compromise hosts Detecting and analyzing host and network vulnerabilities Continuous process improvement by discovering the root causes of incidents This course will rely on practical in-class labs. We will use open-source tools to collect and analyze forensic artifact data in order to understand how malicious activity occurred, the malicious activities end result, and how to mitigate these events from occurring in the future. We will also review data from previously disclosed incidents and present our critiques of existing analysis of these incidents. Students will be graded on the following: - participation in classroom and homework exercises - one in-class presentation - a final write up of the forensic investigation |
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| SEST-668-10 | Nat Sec Crisis Decision Making |
Jones, Gregg |
PM | Summer 6-Week Session I | Click to read more about SEST-668-10 |
This course will introduce you to the theory and current practice of managing crisis in the National Security arena. After a brief orientation on the primary structures, actors and theories influencing National Security now, the course will examine in detail how a National leadership team operates and strives to respond and manage a significant crisis event. A theoretical construct will then be proposed and tested during the rest of the course. Using case studies of recent representative crises, students will assess how the primary National Security actors responded, whether the theoretical construct is applicable, and what, if any, lessons were learned. Along the way, students will also survey the record of predicting crises, and conclude with an adapted theoretical framework that can be used when observing or potentially participating in managing a crisis. This section is for SEST students only. |
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| SEST-668-11 | Nat Sec Crisis Decision Making |
Jones, Gregg |
PM | Summer 6-Week Session I | Click to read more about SEST-668-11 |
This course will introduce you to the theory and current practice of managing crisis in the National Security arena. After a brief orientation on the primary structures, actors and theories influencing National Security now, the course will examine in detail how a National leadership team operates and strives to respond and manage a significant crisis event. A theoretical construct will then be proposed and tested during the rest of the course. Using case studies of recent representative crises, students will assess how the primary National Security actors responded, whether the theoretical construct is applicable, and what, if any, lessons were learned. Along the way, students will also survey the record of predicting crises, and conclude with an adapted theoretical framework that can be used when observing or potentially participating in managing a crisis. This section is for non-SEST students only. |
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| SEST-669-10 | Hands-On Cybersecurity |
Boyd, Garrett |
PM | Summer 6-Week Session I | Click to read more about SEST-669-10 |
This foundational idea for this class is that, in order to understand the policy implications of a technology, it is necessary to get a hands-on appreciation for how that technology works. In this class, students will gain an appreciation for the basics of cyber security to help them understand and apply their knowledge to policy questions of the day. Class instruction topics include: packet-sniffing, encryption, social engineering, exploits & implants, incident response, computer forensics, attribution, and personal security. For each of these topics, we will examine relevant academic literature, look at case studies, do in-class demos, and give students a chance to get hands-on experience with the technology. We will also discuss the policy implications of each technical topic. No background in computer science is necessary for this class, though you should be willing to push yourself out of your technical comfort zone and be persistent in learning new skills. By the end of the class, with the right amount of effort, you will be able to have a good understanding of some of the key technical ideas that animate much of the cybersecurity discussion. Students will be graded on six homework assignments, each giving them a chance to put a newly-learned technical skill into practice. There will also be a mid-term exam to ensure understanding of key concepts and a final paper that connects the in-class topics to broader policy matters. |
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| SEST-669-11 | Hands-On Cybersecurity |
Boyd, Garrett |
PM | Summer 6-Week Session I | Click to read more about SEST-669-11 |
This foundational idea for this class is that, in order to understand the policy implications of a technology, it is necessary to get a hands-on appreciation for how that technology works. In this class, students will gain an appreciation for the basics of cyber security to help them understand and apply their knowledge to policy questions of the day. Class instruction topics include: packet-sniffing, encryption, social engineering, exploits & implants, incident response, computer forensics, attribution, and personal security. For each of these topics, we will examine relevant academic literature, look at case studies, do in-class demos, and give students a chance to get hands-on experience with the technology. We will also discuss the policy implications of each technical topic. No background in computer science is necessary for this class, though you should be willing to push yourself out of your technical comfort zone and be persistent in learning new skills. By the end of the class, with the right amount of effort, you will be able to have a good understanding of some of the key technical ideas that animate much of the cybersecurity discussion. Students will be graded on six homework assignments, each giving them a chance to put a newly-learned technical skill into practice. There will also be a mid-term exam to ensure understanding of key concepts and a final paper that connects the in-class topics to broader policy matters. |
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| SEST-674-10 | Weapons of War |
Brown, Duncan |
PM | Summer 6-Week Session I | Click to read more about SEST-674-10 |
Modern warfare utilizes advanced weapons systems. This course will examine various weapon systems ranging from electronic warfare, artillery, cruise missiles, aircraft, aircraft launched weapons, ships, submarines, unmanned systems, and strategic and tactical nuclear weapons. In the examination, we will look at capabilities, concepts of operation, and issues surrounding their procurement and use. The course will also involve students working through a crisis scenario utilizing various weapon systems. No pre-existing technical knowledge is assumed nor is any required. This section is for SEST students only. |
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| SEST-674-11 | Weapons of War |
Brown, Duncan |
PM | Summer 6-Week Session I | Click to read more about SEST-674-11 |
Modern warfare utilizes advanced weapons systems. This course will examine various weapon systems ranging from electronic warfare, artillery, cruise missiles, aircraft, aircraft launched weapons, ships, submarines, unmanned systems, and strategic and tactical nuclear weapons. In the examination, we will look at capabilities, concepts of operation, and issues surrounding their procurement and use. The course will also involve students working through a crisis scenario utilizing various weapon systems. No pre-existing technical knowledge is assumed nor is any required. This section is for non-SEST students only. |
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| SEST-690-40 | Research Practicum |
Jefferis, Jennifer Patterson, Rebecca |
AM | Full Term | Click to read more about SEST-690-40 |
This course aims to help students learn and practice the research and writing skills needed to complete an original, analytically rigorous research article. This course differs from SEST 710 and SEST 502 in that it provides additional time and resources to conduct original research. Students enrolled in this course will have the opportunity to apply for funding to conduct original research, such as travel for archival research, in person interviews, and surveys. Students will be guided through each step of the process required to develop a research paper of publishable quality. Students will hone their peer review skills and will have several opportunities to improve their research presentation skills. This section is for SEST students only. This course will meet 3 times during the Full Session on Tuesday May 19th, Tuesday July 14th, and Tuesday August 4th. Times TBA |
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| SEST-716-10 | Foreign Intel Communities |
Mansourov, Alexandre |
PM | Summer 6-Week Session I | Click to read more about SEST-716-10 |
This course examines foreign intelligence communities and the policy issues they face and has four purposes. The first is to provide students with a better understanding of the foreign, domestic, military, signals, and imagery intelligence agencies of the U.S. allies, partners, and adversaries, as well as the patterns of conflict and inter-agency collaboration between them. The second purpose is for students to learn the brief histories of foreign intelligence services, their current organizational structures, leadership dynamics, main missions and activities, as well as tactics, techniques, and procedures. The third purpose is for students to get familiar with the major threats and opportunities facing foreign intelligence communities and learn how they address them to defend their national interests and advance their policy priorities in key functional areas. The fourth purpose is for students to develop critical thinking and writing skills so that they can produce high quality analytical products for various types of consumers, using open source information. This section is for SEST students only |
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| SEST-717-10 | Ethics/Intel Support Natl Sec |
Bennett, Gina |
PM | Summer 6-Week Session I | Click to read more about SEST-717-10 |
This course will introduce students to the common ethical dilemmas associated with the business of Intelligence. To contribute to the decision-making of whether the US Government should lie, steal, deny, cheat, coerce, or kill on behalf of national security goals, Intelligence officers must understand the context for the ethical challenges they face and be confident in their understanding of the laws governing Intelligence work. Students will be exposed to four common frameworks for evaluating ethical dilemmas and review the ethical guidelines enshrined in the US Constitution that ground the business of Intelligence. They will evaluate, individually and collectively, dozens of real-life scenarios that required Intelligence officers to make hard choices in ambiguous situations. Finally, students will create fictional scenarios and present their final decision-making in class. The course seeks to enhance students' confidence and competence in contributing to ethically challenging decisions on a range of national security issues. This section is for SEST students only. |
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| SEST-717-11 | Ethics/Intel Support Natl Sec |
Bennett, Gina |
PM | Summer 6-Week Session I | Click to read more about SEST-717-11 |
This course will introduce students to the common ethical dilemmas associated with the business of Intelligence. To contribute to the decision-making of whether the US Government should lie, steal, deny, cheat, coerce, or kill on behalf of national security goals, Intelligence officers must understand the context for the ethical challenges they face and be confident in their understanding of the laws governing Intelligence work. Students will be exposed to four common frameworks for evaluating ethical dilemmas and review the ethical guidelines enshrined in the US Constitution that ground the business of Intelligence. They will evaluate, individually and collectively, dozens of real-life scenarios that required Intelligence officers to make hard choices in ambiguous situations. Finally, students will create fictional scenarios and present their final decision-making in class. The course seeks to enhance students' confidence and competence in contributing to ethically challenging decisions on a range of national security issues. Section for non-SEST students only. |
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| SEST-734-40 | Artificial Intel & Natl Sec |
Bansemer, John |
PM | Full Term | Click to read more about SEST-734-40 |
In this course, we will examine one of the topics most central for the future of national security policy: artificial intelligence, or AI. We will begin first by examining what AI is and isn’t, and discuss how the underlying technology works. We will then proceed to survey the national security landscape and consider how AI will impact key policy and strategy decisions in the near future. Topics discussed include autonomous weapons, intelligence collection and analysis, massive cyber attacks, propaganda, and technology competition. We will also focus on the AI strategies of two major nations, the United States and China. No technical background is required for this class, though we will introduce some important ideas that are relevant to how AI works. Students will be assessed through a mid-term exam that assesses understanding of key concepts, as well as through one research paper in which they examine how AI is changing an area of national security policy. In addition, class participation is a vital component of this class, as a substantial portion of each week will be oriented towards discussion. This section for SEST/SSP students only |
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| SEST-734-41 | Artificial Intel & Natl Sec |
Bansemer, John |
PM | Full Term | Click to read more about SEST-734-41 |
In this course, we will examine one of the topics most central for the future of national security policy: artificial intelligence, or AI. We will begin first by examining what AI is and isn’t, and discuss how the underlying technology works. We will then proceed to survey the national security landscape and consider how AI will impact key policy and strategy decisions in the near future. Topics discussed include autonomous weapons, intelligence collection and analysis, massive cyber attacks, propaganda, and technology competition. We will also focus on the AI strategies of two major nations, the United States and China. No technical background is required for this class, though we will introduce some important ideas that are relevant to how AI works. Students will be assessed through a mid-term exam that assesses understanding of key concepts, as well as through one research paper in which they examine how AI is changing an area of national security policy. In addition, class participation is a vital component of this class, as a substantial portion of each week will be oriented towards discussion. This section for NON SEST Students Only |
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| SEST-736-20 | Econ of Competitrs/Adversaries |
Troutman, Mark |
PM | Summer 6-Week Session II | Click to read more about SEST-736-20 |
In December 2017, the Administration published a National Security Strategy that outlined a different approach for the United States. The document outlined a security view that identified China and Russia as challengers to US power in a world of growing political, economic and military competition. The document characterized Iran and North Korea as active adversaries, seeking to challenge US and allied interests within their region. This course examines each of these actors from an economic viewpoint, proceeding from the premise that a national economic base provides the resources from which these nations provide for domestic living standards while at the same time resourcing their national security objectives. The course provides an overview of each nation in context to its reginal and the world economy, and in comparison to the US. The course will examine contemporary and projected trends for each nation and relate these to security and strategy. This is designed as an economics course for security professionals who are NOT economists. The instructor will familiarize students with basic macroeconomic concepts and provide a framework for inquiry which the seminar will apply to each of the actors. The seminar will then draw conclusions for strategy and decision makers. Assignments will consist of short presentations, a short decision paper for each nation and a medium length (8 – 12 page) paper on a national topic chosen by the student. This section for SEST students only |
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| SEST-736-21 | Econ of Competitrs/Adversaries |
Troutman, Mark |
PM | Full Term | Click to read more about SEST-736-21 |
In December 2017, the Administration published a National Security Strategy that outlined a different approach for the United States. The document outlined a security view that identified China and Russia as challengers to US power in a world of growing political, economic and military competition. The document characterized Iran and North Korea as active adversaries, seeking to challenge US and allied interests within their region. This course examines each of these actors from an economic viewpoint, proceeding from the premise that a national economic base provides the resources from which these nations provide for domestic living standards while at the same time resourcing their national security objectives. The course provides an overview of each nation in context to its reginal and the world economy, and in comparison to the US. The course will examine contemporary and projected trends for each nation and relate these to security and strategy. This is designed as an economics course for security professionals who are NOT economists. The instructor will familiarize students with basic macroeconomic concepts and provide a framework for inquiry which the seminar will apply to each of the actors. The seminar will then draw conclusions for strategy and decision makers. Assignments will consist of short presentations, a short decision paper for each nation and a medium length (8 – 12 page) paper on a national topic chosen by the student. This section for NON SEST students only |
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