International Conflict and Security

Catalog description

Analyzes the main theories that are used to explain the causes of international conflict. The course focuses on the classical manuscripts in the literature, and then demonstrates how the field has developed. Specifically, this course focuses on realism, with some emphasis on liberalism and constructivism. Additionally, students learn some game-theoretic models of warfare and get exposure to the most explanatory concepts for international conflict, including offense-defense balance, the security dilemma, deterrence, first-strike advantage, and windows of opportunity and vulnerability, arms control, and deterrence. Students are also introduced to how intelligence techniques work during international conflict, as well as an overview of the information and cyber domains. Finally, students are expected to integrate these theories into U.S. national security policy and doctrine. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Other Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 3 Grade Mode: Normal (A, B, C, D, F) Degree Restrictions: Doctor of Philosophy Schedule Type (Primary): Lecture Schedule Type (Additional): Seminar Small Group Click here for the Schedule of Classes.