War may appear necessary and heroic, such as World War II against Hitler. Or it can seem foolish and counter-productive, as critics view the 2003 invasion of Iraq. The key difference is “military strategy” – how military resources can and should be utilized, or not, to achieve political objectives. This course provides an introduction to strategic studies, which employs history to learn lessons about when and how military force should be utilized or not. Both hawks and doves are encouraged to take the course and may well emerge with altered views.
The syllabus is arranged both thematically and chronologically, focusing each week on a few key concepts while tracing the evolution of modern warfare since the late 19th century. No auditors are permitted except for military fellows and visiting scholars. Grading is based on class participation, two five-page papers, and a final exam. One book is encouraged for purchase: Carl von Clausewitz, On War, Michael Howard and Peter Paret, trans. (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1984). All other course readings are on Canvas.