Understanding the Strategic Environment

From the rise of China to Russian revanchism, from globalization to the emergence global South, the study and practice of national security is fundamentally intertwined with global politics. This survey course is designed to introduce students to the trends, the challenges and the opportunities shaping international security environment today.

First, it will examine the dilemmas for American national security posed by a rising China, Russian revanchism and the lesser threats of Iran, the DPRK and terrorism. It will also expose students to some of the regional dynamics in key areas for American national security—including the Indo-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and the Arctic. Lastly, it will look at some of the factors—from globalization to demographic shifts—that may shape international security environment in the years ahead. Ultimately, this course is designed to give students a broad understanding of the strategic environment that informs that practice of national security and set up follow on elective course work, if students choose to pursue it.