This course will enable students to critically evaluate and compare national security strategies as a 'whole-of-government' approach to the security challenges of the 21st century. Through in-depth country case studies students will analyse the evolution and application of grand strategy as a means to pursue the objectives that defend and advance national interest and security at global and regional levels.

5 x 1 hour interactive lectures offered in Weeks 2, 3, 5, 7 and 8

6 x 90 minute seminars offers in weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 & 8

Students also attend 5 x 1 hour workshops

Total teaching contact time 20 hours.   

None

Students will be required to write one essay (2500 words) worth 60% of the final grade, one briefing paper based on their presentation topic (1000 words) worth 15% of the final grade, and participate in a group facilitated workshop including a group presentation worth 25% of the final grade.

It is the default expectation that all courses will offer opportunities for reassessment or deferred assessment. Where it is not possible to offer this in some assessment components, the grade achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade, and any exceptions for this course are described below.

[No exceptions]

■ To introduce students to theories of strategy with a focus on understanding why grand national security strategies are becoming more commonplace in the 21st Century

■ To critically evaluate in-depth a range of European and international national security strategies and related documents.

■ To enable students to identify and critically assess the actual processes that nation states employ to craft national security strategy documents.

■ To introduce students to a variety of theoretical approaches to the study of different drivers that inform how and why states plan for coordinated use of the instruments of state power at their disposal as a means to defend and advance their national interests.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Identify and explain the purpose of national security strategy and associated documents;

■ Be able to critically evaluate competing theories and apply relevant theoretical frameworks to the study of national security and grand strategy

■ Compare and critically analyse European and international security strategies

■ Advance reasoned and factually supported arguments on the evolution of national security strategy in a comprehensive written and verbal manner, both independently and as part of a group.