Military Strategy: Theory and Practice

IWP 628 / IWPO 628
4 Credits

This course examines the theory and practice of strategy, especially the uses of force but also other instruments of power to achieve the goals of the state in the international system. We read from works by theorists of strategy and war, e.g. Sun Tzu, Clausewitz, Jomini, Mahan, Corbett, Mao, and others and then consider the applicability of their ideas to conflict both past and present. Case studies in the application of strategy include European wars of the 18th century, the Napoleonic wars, the American Civil War, the Wars of German Unification, the two World Wars, insurgency and other examples of “small wars,” and the Cold War and its limited conflicts–especially Vietnam. The course concludes with a look at strategies for dealing with a resurgent Russia, a rising China, and groups such as ISIS and Hezbollah.

This course may be taken as a part of the following programs: