International Strategy: History, Theory, and Practice

Catalog description

International Strategy is designed to give students a comprehensive understanding of how states craft and implement strategies in pursuit of their national interests. Moving beyond security issues alone, the course explores how diplomatic, economic, military, and cultural tools are employed to advance broader strategic objectives within the global system. We will compare historical and contemporary examples—from classic theorists like Sun Tzu and Clausewitz to present-day debates on emerging technologies and climate policy—to understand how and why strategies succeed or fail. Students will examine a wide range of strategic concerns: deterrence and coercion, alliance-building, economic statecraft, and the influence of international institutions. We will study how domestic politics, leadership psychology, and international power dynamics shape a nation’s choice of strategic approach. The course also spotlights current challenges such as cyber warfare, the proliferation of advanced military capabilities, shifting global alliances, and the rise of new powers, analyzing how these developments reshape the art of strategy. By linking core theoretical frameworks with real-world case studies, students will gain analytical tools for identifying the key factors that shape foreign policy decisions and for assessing the strengths and weaknesses of different strategic options. Whether you have a background in political science or simply a keen interest in understanding how and why countries act as they do, this course will equip you with the knowledge to critically evaluate global events and debates through a strategic lens. No prerequisites are required, though familiarity with international relations or modern history may be beneficial.