United States National Security
Managing Global Conflagration
War should never be entered upon until every agency of peace has failed
-William McKinley
INTRODUCTION
From the mounting danger posed by non-state actors to the changing nature of great power rivalry, this course examines some of the most daunting challenges confronting American national security policymakers today. Surveying historical, institutional, and structural mechanisms through which America’s national security objectives are developed and pursued, students will acquire essential analytical tools for effectively appraising today’s threat spectrum. Throughout the course, focus will be placed on strategic thinking and analytical reasoning – the capacity to envision how America’s long-term national interests can be best attained in a world in which the traditional exercise of statecraft is increasingly challenged by emerging actors, technological advancements, and shifting public attitudes.
ABOUT THIS SIMULATION
With a grounded understanding of these threat dynamics, students will be tasked with evaluating the myriad of factors defining any given security concern, assessing actual and potential threat levels, and devising strategies for effectively addressing these challenges in a manner that best promotes US national security interests at home and abroad.
SKILL SET DEVELOPMENT
∴ Governmental Processes
∴ Critical Thought & Analysis
∴ Consequence Awareness
∴ Negotiation Techniques
∴ Conflict Mediation Strategies
∴ Information Organization
∴ Policy Research Tactics
∴ Professional Oral Communications
∴ Expert Written Correspondence
∴ Public Speaking and Presentation
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
- Develop students’ ability to assess threats to American national security within a global context.
- Foster greater understanding of the international system, its dynamics, and the mechanism to regulate relations among international actors.
- Enhance students’ ability to critically analyze political events and to think strategically about sensible responses and/or interventions.
- Cultivate familiarity with various military doctrine, diplomatic and economic approaches to national security, as well as significant conflict resolution techniques.
- Promote knowledge of and understand the role of S. governmental institutions in the forging of pragmatic national security policies in the face of partisan politics, media scrutiny, and public outcry.
- Advance students’ ability to communicate critical analysis of issues examined in both written and oral formats.
- Inform students about and promote knowledge of career opportunities in the security sector.