National Security (345-0-20)

Instructors

Jeffrey Rice
847/491-8916
1908 Sheridan

Meeting Info

555 Clark B01: Mon, Wed 9:30AM - 10:50AM

Overview of class

This course invites students to think social-scientifically about questions of national security (American and otherwise). It addresses questions such as follows: What are the causes of war? What are possible paths to peace? What are momentarily the most pressing security challenges? What tools exist to counter these challenges?

We will look at three national security crises; one historical, one present day, and one emerging, and consider them through the eyes of critical analyses presented by key figures in the field, including two "classic thinkers/texts". Using these as steppingstones, students will attempt to ‘model' alternative scenarios for the Cuban Missile Crisis, War in Ukraine, and tension with China, especially over Taiwan.

The goal in this class is to use classic texts and present-day experts along with breaking news so that we can follow the evolution of crises as they unfold. This is not a class in theory but in the use of theory to explain and respond to reality.

Class Materials (Required)

E.H. Carr, The Twenty Years Crisis. ISBN: 978-0061311222
Thomas Schelling, Arms and Influence. ISBN: 978-0300143379
Available as a PDF online: Graham Allison, Essence of Decision Making. ISBN: 978-0321013491.
Assorted articles available online

Class Attributes

Social & Behavioral Sciences Distro Area