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. This course will meet synchronously in a remote format on the scheduled meeting dates and times for summer 2021. |
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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 will meet synchronously in a remote format on the scheduled meeting dates and times for summer 2021. 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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| GOVT-472-25 | Negotiating MIddle East Peace |
Kacowicz, Arie |
AM | Main Second Session | Click to read more about GOVT-472-25 |
This course focuses upon the topic of negotiations and conflict resolution in the context of the Arab-Israeli conflict since 1977 to the present. Remote students have the option to attend this in-person class via Zoom integrated into the classroom. This course focuses upon the topic of negotiations and conflict resolution in the context of the Arab-Israeli conflict since 1977 to the present. The course is divided into four parts. First, we will present the general theoretical framework for explaining and understanding negotiations in international relations. Second, we will refer in general terms to the history of the Arab-Israeli conflict and the main issues and patterns of negotiations. Third, we will address several case-studies of successes and failures of negotiations between Israel and its several Arab neighbors – Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and the Palestinians. In this context, we will attempt to understand the failure of the peace process between Israelis and Palestinians. Finally, in the last part of the course we will play a simulation and students will present their short papers. This course has been renumbered, effective Fall 2014. A student who has earned credit for GOVT 448 Negotiating Middle East Peace in a prior term should not enroll and cannot earn credit for this class. |
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| GOVT-522-30 | MA Capstone II:Practicum Writ |
Cammisa, Anne |
PM | Cross Session | Click to read more about GOVT-522-30 |
TBA This course will meet synchronously in a remote format on the scheduled meeting dates and times for summer 2021. Open to MA in American Government students only. |
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| GOVT-524-30 | MA Leadership Seminar |
Newman, Constance |
PM | Cross Session | Click to read more about GOVT-524-30 |
Students write and discuss a major applied research paper on a question of practical significance. The practicum paper is an exercise in applied research 20-40 pages long and is normally written on a topic relating to or arising out of the practicum experience. [American Government] This course will meet synchronously in a remote format on the scheduled meeting dates and times for summer 2021. Open to MA in American Government students only. |
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| GOVT-579-01 | Applied Res Methods for CR |
Inman, Molly |
PM | Summer 6-Week Session II | Click to read more about GOVT-579-01 |
The ability to design sound and methodologically rigorous research is essential to answering questions in the conflict resolution field and to evaluating the research of others. This course will give students a strong foundation in research design skills to be able to apply in a number of different contexts including academic research, policy research, proposal writing and report writing. Students will also learn about the variety of methods available to researchers and how to choose the ones most appropriate for testing their theories and hypotheses. Additionally, students will learn how to evaluate critically the research design and methods used in the research of others. This course will meet synchronously in a remote format on the scheduled meeting dates and times for summer 2021. ***This course is only open to students in the Conflict Resolution Program*** The ability to design sound and methodologically rigorous research is essential to answering questions in the conflict resolution field and to evaluating the research of others. This course will give students a strong foundation in research design skills to be able to apply in a number of different contexts including academic research, policy research, proposal writing and report writing. Students will also learn about the variety of methods available to researchers and how to choose the ones most appropriate for testing their theories and hypotheses. Additionally, students will learn how to evaluate critically the research design and methods used in the research of others. |
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| GOVX-510-01 | Intersections |
Collin, Katherine |
AM | Summer 6-Week Session I | Click to read more about GOVX-510-01 |
The course aims to provide students opportunities to build conflict resolution skills required to manage work in a variety of challenging contexts. Such skills include managing personal stress and care, making ethical decisions in complex environments, and working effectively in a variety of conflict resolution roles. This course will meet synchronously in a remote format on the scheduled meeting dates and times for summer 2021. ***This course is only open to students in the Conflict Resolution Program*** Intersections is an online, asynchronous course offered in partnership with Georgetown University’s Center for Social Justice. During the university’s School of Continuing Studies’ graduate summer session, students in GOVX 510 will be working in their Summer Field Fellowship placements. The Intersections course wraps around the fellowship work anywhere around the world. Intersections students engage with ethical questions and apply social justice theories to real world issues in diverse work settings. The course provides a virtual, collaborative learning cohort. The course aims to provide students opportunities to build conflict resolution skills required to manage work in a variety of challenging contexts. Such skills include managing personal stress and care, making ethical decisions in complex environments, and working effectively in a variety of conflict resolution roles. Students learn core concepts that they will be applying during their fellowship placements, including organizational theory, cross-cultural communication, and engaging with concepts from the World Values Survey. Through a series of exercises, students evaluate the culture and organization in which they are working and compare across the cohort. Including this type of learning experience allows students to identify in real-time the application of conflict resolution skills and principles. Doing this in partnership with a cohort deepens learning by providing a global comparative experience. |
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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. This course will meet synchronously in a remote format on the scheduled meeting dates and times for summer 2021. This course offers a comprehensive theoretical and empirical overview of the politics of regime transitions and democratic consolidation in developing countries The focus will be on moving beyond processes of negotiation and “pact making” in transitioning systems to consolidating democratic institutions, laws, rules, processes and norms. Topics such as electoral systems, the politics of economic reform, security sector reform, corruption, peacebuilding in divided societies, and the role of international institutions will also be explored. Class readings will feature case studies drawn from different regions including Eastern Europe, Latin America, Southeast Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). To enhance the students’ grasp of the theory and practice of democratic consolidation the course will include a series of online Zoom sessions with Tunisian human rights activists, political leaders, scholars, journalists and development specialists. Organized by the “Tunis Exchange,” the Zoom sessions will take place for four consecutive Thursday mornings for 3 hours. In addition, we will offer four more Saturday mornings for a total of 8 sessions. Students taking the class will be required to sign up for at least 4 of these sessions -- but they are free to take up to all 8 if they prefer. All Zoom sessions will be recorded. Each Zoom session will feature two consecutive individual presentations. The three hour time slot will ensure that there is ample time for class discussion and for taking breaks. The cost of the Tunisia Exchange Program is $350 to be paid directly to the Tunisia Exchange. Course Schedule for GU Classes: Monday-Wednesday 6 to 8 pm starting May 24 Tunis Exchange: Thursday May 27 and Saturday May 29 10am-1:00 pm June 3+5 10am-1:00pm June 10+12 10:am-1:00 pm June 17+19 10am-1:00 pm |
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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 course will meet synchronously in a remote format on the scheduled meeting dates and times for summer 2021. This course offers a comprehensive theoretical and empirical overview of the politics of regime transitions and democratic consolidation in developing countries The focus will be on moving beyond processes of negotiation and “pact making” in transitioning systems to consolidating democratic institutions, laws, rules, processes and norms. Topics such as electoral systems, the politics of economic reform, security sector reform, corruption, peacebuilding in divided societies, and the role of international institutions will also be explored. Class readings will feature case studies drawn from different regions including Eastern Europe, Latin America, Southeast Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). To enhance the students’ grasp of the theory and practice of democratic consolidation the course will include a series of online Zoom sessions with Tunisian human rights activists, political leaders, scholars, journalists and development specialists. Organized by the “Tunis Exchange,” the Zoom sessions will take place for four consecutive Thursday mornings for 3 hours. In addition, we will offer four more Saturday mornings for a total of 8 sessions. Students taking the class will be required to sign up for at least 4 of these sessions -- but they are free to take up to all 8 if they prefer. All Zoom sessions will be recorded. Each Zoom session will feature two consecutive individual presentations. The three hour time slot will ensure that there is ample time for class discussion and for taking breaks. The cost of the Tunisia Exchange Program is $350 to be paid directly to the Tunisia Exchange. Course Schedule for GU Classes: Monday-Wednesday 6 to 8 pm starting May 24 Tunis Exchange: Thursday May 27 and Saturday May 29 10am-1:00 pm June 3+5 10am-1:00pm June 10+12 10am-1:00 pm June 17+19 10am-1:00 pm |
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| LING-401-25 | General Linguistics |
Schilling, Natalie |
AM | Main Second Session | Click to read more about LING-401-25 |
LING 401 This course is designed to provide students with a general graduate-level introduction to the scientific study of language. It is also open to advanced undergraduates. Our main goals include familiarizing you with core concepts and terminology in linguistics and with key methods and approaches to language study and how to apply them (to English and to other languages, including languages that you might know, and languages that you don’t know). We also discuss theories and research on how both first and other languages are learned by children and adults, as well as how computers are ‘taught’ to use and respond to human language. In addition, we explore how language shapes and is shaped by social, political, historical contexts, as well as personal and group identity and interpersonal relations. Throughout the course, we consider various applications of the scientific study of language, including in corporate, government, educational and legal arenas. If you are entering (or considering) a graduate program in linguistics or related field, this course will provide you with the foundation you need to succeed. If you are studying a non-native language, this course will provide you with additional tools to facilitate the learning process. Linguistics, the scientific study of language, interfaces with a wide variety of other fields (e.g., anthropology, sociology, psychology, cognitive neuroscience, computer science, philosophy, politics, legal studies, and public policy), so you should be able to make important and exciting connections whatever your background and interests. This course will meet synchronously in a remote format on the scheduled meeting dates and times for summer 2021. |
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| MATH-514-30 | Intro to Neural Networks |
Pratt, Michael |
PM | Cross Session | Click to read more about MATH-514-30 |
Math 514 provides an introduction to Neural Networks and Deep Learning. This is an introductory course on the building, training and application of neural network models using the python programming language. A number of different network topologies and applications will be covered. Examples include classification (binary and multinomial), natural language processing, reinforcement learning and generative models. Students will develop the intuition needed to successfully train neural networks that generalize and can be applied to practical problems. The Google Colab environment will be used for student projects. |
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| MATH-658-30 | Survey Sampling |
Wright, Tommy |
PM | Cross Session | Click to read more about MATH-658-30 |
This course covers design and analysis of sample surveys. Sample designs include simple random sampling, systematic, stratified, cluster, double, and multistage sampling. Analytical methods include sample size determination, ratio and regression estimation, imputation for missing data, and nonsampling error adjustment. Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: MN or MC Graduate Must be enrolled in one of the following Majors: Mathematics and Statistics This course will meet synchronously in a remote format on the scheduled meeting dates and times for summer 2021. |
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| SEST-504-20 | Becoming a Political Analyst |
DeLozier, Elana |
PM | Summer 6-Week Session II | Click to read more about SEST-504-20 |
In this course, students will learn how to become a political analyst skill-by-skill. Political analysts are specialists in an area of knowledge, such as a country (e.g., a Syria expert), a functional area (e.g., a terrorism expert), or some combination of the two whose job is to provide salient analysis on their area of expertise. Political analysts often work in government, the corporate world, or in think tanks helping to inform and advise decisionmakers. In this course, every student will select a desired expertise that they will begin to develop over the course of the semester. Students will choose an ‘expertise’ from a limited list that is primarily Middle East-focused and will also allow for a functional focus (e.g., military, maritime, nuclear, energy, etc). For the rest of the semester, students will become political analysts by doing exactly what an analyst would do every day/week. Each student will keep a weekly tracker of related news and analysis on their selected specialty and write a weekly news brief similar to a ‘daily brief’ in the government. The tracker will form the bulk of their reading for each week and will serve as the foundation for workshops on specific skill sets, such as interviewing a source, doing a media interview, or writing an analytic piece. This course will be heavily activity-based. This course is best for students who seek to enter a career in government, intelligence, military analysis, political analysis, think tank-style research, or journalism. Some seats in this class are reserved. This class will meet in person. |
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| SEST-510-40 | US National Security Policy |
Archuleta, Brandon |
PM | Full Term | Click to read more about SEST-510-40 |
Every administration comes to power believing that it controls the destiny of US national security policy. It anticipates it will redefine America's national interests, lay out a multi-year strategy for protecting those interests, and pursue its domestic and international agenda. That illusion usually lasts a month or two. Then reality hits. This course examines that reality. This course does not catalog the potential threats to America or examine US allies and interests in different regions. Threats, allies and interests are ever-changing. Instead, the course examines the policy strategies, structures and the tools that frame US response, regardless of the threat, allies or interests involved. The objective of the course is to equip students with the intellectual foundation and technical competence required to analyze contemporary US national security issues and solutions. The course emphasizes defense and other coercive means of foreign policy, and examines the role of force as an instrument of statecraft. This course is designed for students who may work in the US national security establishment. Some seats are reserved. This class will be taught in Hybrid Modality. |
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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 Some seats are reserved. This class is ONLINE. |
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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) Some seats are reserved. This class is ONLINE. |
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| SEST-529-10 | Latin American Politics & Secu |
Greene, Samuel |
PM | Summer 6-Week Session I | Click to read more about SEST-529-10 |
This course examines the links between political context of Latin America and key issues of security in the region, with a focus on the post-Cold War era. In politics, the course will explore how democratization, the development of state institutions, the political economy, and social issues have shaped the region. In the area of security, the course will examine how this political context interacts with security at regional, state, and sub-state levels, considering both hard security topics at both the state and non-state levels as well as topics in human and environmental security. Some seats are reserved. This course will meet entirely online. |
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| SEST-530-40 | Core: International Security |
Brown, Chanda |
PM | Full Term | Click to read more about SEST-530-40 |
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. Some seats are reserved. This class will meet Online. |
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| SEST-537-10 | Ethnic Conflict & Civil War |
Schultz, Tammy |
PM | Summer 6-Week Session I | Click to read more about SEST-537-10 |
The purpose of this course is to provide students with a framework for understanding and analyzing ethnic conflicts. The first part of the course provides a general overview for understanding ethnic and nationalist conflict. The second part of the course analyzes the causes of ethnic conflict and civil war, including psychological, historical, political, ethnic, ideological, religious and economic factors. The third part of the course examines domestic strategies for dealing with ethnic and political differences, including accommodation, domination, co-optation, assimilation, secession and genocide. The fourth and final part of the course examines international responses to ethnic and nationalist conflict, including the use of policy instruments such as economic measures, mediation and military force. A wide selection of cases studies are used illustrate theoretical arguments. The course is run as a seminar. Some seats are reserved. This class will meet ONLINE. |
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| SEST-567-10 | Space Technologies & Security |
Johnson, Dana Weeden, Brian |
PM | Summer 6-Week Session I | Click to read more about SEST-567-10 |
This course examines the extent to which spacepower doctrine, concepts, and operations influence national security strategy and international security. It identifies key space policy issues facing the United States and places them in the larger context of technological advances and a changing international strategic environment. The course will briefly examine the historical and policy foundations for U.S. and international space programs and activities. Key documents to be assessed will include U.S. presidential policy directives, Executive Orders, national strategies and policies, and other high-level documents that provide guidance to U.S. space sectors and activities. U.S. space sectors are defined as national security (military and intelligence communities), civil, and commercial. Efforts to expand international space cooperation and to counter other nations’ diplomatic and military space strategies will also be examined. International space programs, including those of Russia, China, Japan, and India, as well as other emerging and established space-faring nations, will be assessed through classroom lectures and in the context of a future space wargame. Students will gain an understanding of: the fundamental characteristics of the space environment that define its national security and commercial utility and context; the interrelationships among U.S. spacepower, national security, and the international security environment; the role of space organizations and sectors in developing and implementing various space technologies, strategies, doctrines, and national policies; strategic choices facing other nations with respect to development and utilization of space capabilities, products, technologies, and services; and analyzing the contribution of space-based capabilities and technologies through a classroom exercise (space wargame) focusing on space and terrestrial foreign policy issues in an international security context. Emphasizing applied learning in preparation for students’ potential future careers, the class assignments are intended to expose students to different presentation and writing styles encountered in the national security community. Presidential directives, memoranda generation, and high-level but comprehensive presentations, as well as development and presentation of diplomatic positions are some of the knowledge and skills encountered in this course. Furthermore, similar to other operational environments such as air, land, and sea, students will also gain an understanding of the nature, terminology, and impact of the space environment and orbital mechanics as well as technology on national security policy and national interests. Some seats are reserved. This class will meet ONLINE. |
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| SEST-568-40 | Human Behavior in War |
Connable, Alfred |
PM | Full Term | Click to read more about SEST-568-40 |
War is fundamentally a clash of opposing human wills. This is true of conventional war, insurgency, nuclear war, and all other types of armed conflict. Understanding human behavior is central to understanding war. Many explanations of war focus on materiel: Who has the most tanks, the better planes, the most efficient logistics? Accepting the important role of materiel in war, this course explores human motivation, decisionmaking, and culture and their central roles in the nature and outcomes of armed conflict. Why do people choose to fight, to keep fighting, or to quit? Why do civilians pick up weapons to join insurgent movements? We begin the course by establishing a common understanding of human behavior, with readings and discussions focused on agentic choice and cultural influences on decisionmaking. The second part of the course focuses on historic examples from different types of conventional and irregular conflicts. Why did people choose to fight in World War I? In Vietnam? In Afghanistan and Iraq? If they wavered or quit, how did they reach that decision? Lastly, we will explore various ways of assessing human behavior in war through practical exercises and tabletop wargaming. Some seats are reserved. This course will meet ONLINE. |
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| SEST-571-40 | Security Iss in East Asia |
Harold, Scott |
PM | Full Term | Click to read more about SEST-571-40 |
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. Some seats are reserved. This class will meet ONLINE. |
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| SEST-573-40 | Security Iss in South Asia |
Fair, Christine |
PM | Full Term | Click to read more about SEST-573-40 |
South Asia includes the countries of Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and the Maldives. Some definitions of South Asia also include Afghanistan. I do as well for purposes of this course. Security Issues in South Asia is a survey of the states, societies, and conflict dynamics in the region. Rather than surveying current events, however, the course will help students understand the roots of domestic and international conflict; and analyze the motivations of state and non-state actors across the region. The course is organized in three parts. Part I focuses on state-society relations and state consolidation in pre-modern South Asia. In this section, we survey the diverse societies of the South Asia region; the efforts of prior states and empires—including the Mughals, the British, various Afghan kings, and 20th century states—to rule these societies; and the administrative and security challenges that modern South Asia has inherited from this past. Part II focuses on resistance to state power in Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and Sri Lanka. We explore the root causes of insurgencies in these countries, considering variables such as political and economic grievances, ideology, external sponsorship, rent-seeking, and military occupation. We also consider the role of Islamic extremist militants across the region, and their sponsors. Part III addresses contemporary regional-level security competition and challenges with serious consequences for U.S. national security; including nuclearization and India-China great power competition. South Asia has long hosted some of the most serious challenges to U.S. national security interests. India and Pakistan have been locked in an intractable security competition since 1947 over the disputed disposition of Kashmir. There have been four Indo-Pakistani wars (1947, 1965, 1971, and 1999), a protracted proxy conflict since 1989, and numerous crises that have threatened to develop into full-scale conflicts. Pakistan has hosted Islamist militants that operate in India since 1947 and in Afghanistan since the 1970s. Since the overt nuclearization of the sub-continent in 1998, when India and Pakistan tested nuclear weapons, the stakes of their competition have increased, with any war possibly resulting in advertent or inadvertent nuclear use. Attacks in India by Pakistan-based and backed militants remain one of the most likely precipitants of future Indo-Pakistan crises. Preventing such crises and concomitant nuclear escalation remains a prominent US regional priority. U.S. security interests also involve smaller states in the region. The growth of Chinese influence in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh may alter South Asian balances of power and call for new policy approaches. Additionally, the Rohingya refugee crisis, the ongoing flow of Afghan refugees into Pakistan, and millions of internally displaced persons due to violent conflict and natural disasters are among the region’s challenging humanitarian Some seats are reserved. This class will meet ONLINE. |
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| SEST-581-10 | Challenges of Chem/Bio Weapons |
Melley, Brendan |
PM | Summer 6-Week Session I | Click to read more about SEST-581-10 |
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. Some seats in this course are reserved. This class will meet ONLINE. |
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| SEST-593-20 | Post 9/11Terror/Intel Analysis |
Arun, Anand |
PM | Summer 6-Week Session II | Click to read more about SEST-593-20 |
After the devastating terrorist attacks on September 11th, the United States and its allies went to war against al-Qa’ida. The world watched as the most powerful military on the planet initiated operations to destroy al-Qa’ida and the terrorist organization’s Afghan hosts, the Taliban. Few at the time envisioned that—20 years later—the United States and its allies would not only still be fighting al-Qa’ida and off-shoots like ISIS, but would be doing so in dozens of countries and nearly every continent worldwide. Beyond the public’s view of this war, the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC) was drastically ramping up its efforts to develop actionable intelligence after the 9/11 attacks that would enable the U.S.-led Coalition to achieve their goals, namely preventing any additional terrorist attacks against the United States. “Never again” became more than just a motto for the IC. Analysts from across the IC have continued to work tirelessly around the clock to identify leads to key terrorist leaders and operatives, uncover plots, and discern broader trends to prevent the United States from strategic surprise. This course will shed light on the shadowy world of the IC since September 11th and answer questions such as, what does a terrorism intelligence analyst really do? How do analysts inform and enable decisions by policymakers and warfighters, including policies to prevent terrorist against the United States and operations to kill or capture some of the most elusive terrorists around the world? In this course, students will learn to analyze key terrorism issues during the last 20 years from the lens of an intelligence analyst—rather than as a policymaker, soldier, or scholar. This means students will think about and discuss issues consistent with IC standards and norms—including by being objective, non-partisan, and policy-outcome agnostic. As a result, although at times discussions might touch on whether a particular counterterrorism policy has been effective, that will not be the focus on the class. By the end of this course, students will gain a solid understanding of the tools and the “tradecraft” required to develop insightful and compelling terrorism intelligence analysis. Some Seats are Reserved. This class will meet online. |
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| SEST-601-10 | Social Media Impact on Nat Sec |
Cohen, John |
PM | Summer 6-Week Session I | Click to read more about SEST-601-10 |
This course examines how the proliferation of social media and other Internet-based communication platforms have transformed the behaviors and methods used by those involved in criminal activity, terrorism and domestic violent extremism, and the efforts of foreign intelligence agencies to target the United States. Specifically, students will explore how social media and other online communications platforms are used by: transnational criminal organizations engaged in drug trafficking and other illicit activity; foreign terrorist groups and domestic extremist organizations to recruit and coordinate violent activity; disaffected individuals as they gravitate toward ideologically motivated targeted acts of violence; and foreign intelligence services as the seek to collect intelligence from the United States and engage in disinformation campaigns and influence operations intended to sow discord, inspire acts of violence, influence elections or otherwise harm the United States. Students will also explore what steps law enforcement, homeland security, and national security entities can take to incorporate online activity by those involved in illicit or threat-related behavior into efforts intended to prevent crime and protect the Nation from security threats. This will include an examination of how advanced computing technologies and other operational techniques can aid law enforcement and security professionals as well as how best to address issues/concerns relating to privacy and civil liberties protections. 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 concepts and events, but also an increased ability to express that knowledge in prose and speech. Some seats are Reserved This class will meet ONLINE. |
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| SEST-606-10 | National Security Law |
Folio, Joseph |
PM | Summer 6-Week Session I | Click to read more about SEST-606-10 |
SEST 606 – National Security Law - The Law of War in the Age of Terror Course Description This multidisciplinary course examines the relationships between law, policy, and war as they relate to contemporary non-state and unconventional threats. Drawing legal and political science methods, it will equip students with the conceptual and jurisprudential tools necessary to identify the legal basis for U.S. policy and evaluate the legality of various operations. Students will examine international, constitutional, and statutory norms from both a legal and operational perspective. From enhanced interrogations and extraordinary renditions to drone warfare and targeted killings, they will gain a deeper understanding of how war fashions law, and why law seeks to retrain war. Course is classified as U.S. National Security and Terrorism/Substate violence. Some seats are reserved. This class will meet ONLINE. |
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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 Some seats are reserved. This class will meet ONLINE. |
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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. Some seats are reserved. This class will meet on campus. |
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| SEST-614-10 | Intelligence and Psychology |
Modell, Scott |
PM | Summer 6-Week Session I | Click to read more about SEST-614-10 |
Intelligence and Psychology – Why Spies Spy As intelligence officers run existing sources and develop new ones, incorporating standards of tradecraft, operational security, and asset validation, they must remain closely attuned to the motivations, vulnerabilities, and often rocky mindsets of the individuals they target. They are responsible for the managing concealment, deception, and stress that all spies experience as they attempt to lead double lives. For some, the task is exciting and fulfilling; but for most, it is an exhausting rollercoaster of emotional highs and lows that often ends in difficult and even tragic ways. In this course, students will familiarize themselves with the asset recruitment cycle, operational testing, the psychological profiles of most spies, and the techniques that all intelligence officers rely on to keep spies motivated, productive, and alive. The course will focus on one of the toughest challenges to US foreign policy – Iran. Given the current spike in US-Iran tensions, nationwide protests that threaten the Iranian regime, and ever-present speculation about Israeli airstrikes or covert action inside Iran, students will have the chance to peer into the minds of the hardline officials that run Iran’s security establishment, learning about the traditional drivers of the Iranian psyche that make the job of handling and recruiting Iranian spies so complex. Some seats are reserved. This class will meet on Campus. |
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| SEST-648-20 | Conflict Termination |
Kronvall, Olof |
PM | Summer 6-Week Session II | Click to read more about SEST-648-20 |
The overarching goal of the course is to improve the students’ understanding of conflict termination, particularly in the context of US national security policy, from a theoretical and a practical perspective. The US has not successfully terminated its protracted involvement in Afghanistan and Iraq, and conflict termination is an increasingly important aspect of US national security policy. Crucial issues in this context include how to successfully exploit military victories for political purposes, and how to minimize the military and political losses associated with disengagement from a failed intervention. An overarching theme is to what extent we can identify recurring patterns, whether we can identify “lessons” from different cases, and to what extent “lessons” from one case are applicable to others. While the course has a US focus, it utilizes general theories and concepts that are relevant to conflicts beyond those in which America is/has been involved. Since conflict termination is often not a one-sided affair, the course also examines the conflict termination behavior of other countries and non-state actors. The US is often not in a position to impose its will on the enemy and dictate the terms of peace, and the outcome of wars in which the US is involved is not determined by the US alone. Instead, the outcome is shaped by interaction with other parties, allies as well as enemies. Consequently, their objectives and motivations, capabilities, strategies, and resilience are of crucial importance, and the course examines “the other side” in many cases of conflict termination. Given the prominence that the course gives to general mechanisms of conflict termination, and to the behavior and impact of non-US actors, it is relevant not only to students who focus on US national security policy, but also to those who primarily have other regional and/or functional interests. The course is divided into four parts. The first part examines theoretical approaches to conflict termination and related concepts, as well as their empirical and practical application. The following three parts further apply the theoretical frameworks and concepts to cases of conflict termination, with an emphasis on conflicts in which the US has participated or is participating. The second part covers the time period 1918—1991, the third part covers 1991—2001, and the fourth part covers the period since 2001 and also addresses the future of conflict termination. The course combines methods and approaches from social science and history, which are overlapping and mutually reinforcing. Social science (IR) informs a comparative analysis of cases of conflict termination, focused on whether and to what extent we can make valid generalizations about the dynamics of conflict termination. For example, can we identify the conditions under which a belligerent decides to sue for peace? The historical perspective enhances this comparison by placing the cases in their specific historic Some seats are Reserved. This class will meet ONLINE. |
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| SEST-657-10 | Economic Intel in Policymaking |
Seth, Ella-May |
PM | Summer 6-Week Session I | Click to read more about SEST-657-10 |
This course provides graduate students an overview of how economic intelligence, both quantitative and qualitative economic information, is used in US foreign and national security policymaking. The class will explore the many facets of economic intelligence and how its application in the policymaking process differs from the use of competitive business and market intelligence by commercial entities and nongovernmental institutions. The course will equip students with structured approaches to critically interpreting economic trends and their implications for policymakers, integrating economic insights into strategic assessments, and communicating findings in a concise and actionable way to decision makers. Presentations and readings will introduce students to various sources of economic information--US agencies, commercial entities, multilateral organizations, and foreign governments--and explore how to best evaluate sources' usefulness, gaps, and biases in addressing specific policy questions. Finally, the course will look at how the use of economic intelligence in policymaking is evolving both in the type of data and information available to policymakers and in the need to address new and evolving risks such as climate change. Students will be expected to participate in class discussions, deliver two policy papers, a briefing, and a final paper. This class will be taught online only. Some seats are reserved. |
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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 course is online only. Some seats are reserved. |
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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. Some seats are reserved. This class will meet ONLINE. |
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| SEST-706-40 | Global Publics & Natl Security |
Brown, Katherine |
PM | Special Session | Click to read more about SEST-706-40 |
This course will examine the role of global non-state actors – activists, journalists, terrorists, non-governmental organizations, etc -- in international relations and how states try to influence them to meet their national security objectives. Traditionally, the U.S. government has used foreign public engagement and information activities to build global networks to advance U.S. foreign policy goals. Today, it finds itself working to influence foreign citizens within a complex and unprecedented intersection of technological expediency, weaponized information, and simultaneous ideological and ground wars. Students will examine a diverse range of scholarship on the intersection of international politics, communication, technology, and culture. The course will bring together international relations theory with communications theory, looking specifically at social constructivism, nationalism and identity, international news production, disinformation, protest and social movements, and public diplomacy. Each class will connect theory with current events relating to national security issues. Depending on the topic and class time, a guest speaker working on the frontlines of the issues covered in class will be able to also share their experiences, illustrating for students the relevancy of various literatures and theories. Finally, through papers and active class participation, the course will challenge students to think deeply about the role global publics play in international relations, and strategically about how to effectively use communication tools to support U.S. national security objectives. Some seats in this class are reserved. This class will meet ONLINE. |
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| SEST-728-10 | Russian Strategy in the MidEas |
Mansourov, Alexandre |
PM | Summer 6-Week Session I | Click to read more about SEST-728-10 |
This course examines Russia’s relations with major powers in the Middle East and has three purposes. The first purpose is for students to learn about the principal actors, main interests and drivers, and key issues shaping Russian foreign and national security policy in the Middle East. The second purpose is to provide students with a better understanding of the main instruments and mechanisms in the toolbox of Russian decision-makers and learn how they use them to defend Russian national interests and advance the Kremlin’s policy priorities in the Middle East. The third 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. Some seats are reserved. This class will meet ONLINE. |
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| SEST-734-40 | Artificial Intel & Natl Sec |
Trimble, Kathy |
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. Some seats are reserved. This class will meet ONLINE. |
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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. Some seats are reserved. This class will meet ONLINE. |
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