Seminar on International Strategy

This graduate seminar analyzes and compares national security strategies, including military doctrine, alliance policies, and foreign economic policy. The course examines how international structure, domestic politics, and leadership psychology contribute to policy outcomes. Students will explore how different strategies serve as stabilizing or destabilizing forces in the international system.

Specific topics include great power strategies before the two World Wars, American Cold War containment strategy, China's Cold War strategies, and sources of stability and instability since the Cold War’s end.

Students should have a strong background in international relations theory and/or international security. Those without such preparation are permitted to enroll but may find it difficult to keep up with the readings.