Although contemporary war theories converged since a decade to open the spectrum to non-violent means of confliction, the war in Ukraine brought back a more traditional conception. War concerns today kinetic and non-kinetic means of confrontation in complex and adaptative strategic mixes. The actors of war themselves diversified and are often of various nature. Military forces, weaponry, doctrines, and defence alliances adapt to more complex threats. This lecture will apply a triple approach of war studies: 1. Exploring most advanced theoretical frameworks designed by scholars and practitioners. 2. Studying case studies illustrating but also questioning these theoretical frameworks. 3. Putting in practice this double knowledge to develop new skills for careers in international security, military, diplomacy or strategy.
Learning Outcomes
1. Knowledge of war theories
2. Knowledge of case studies related to modern war
3. Knowledge of confliction mechanisms
4. Mobilizing complex theories to apply to specific case studies
5. Crossing various situations to identify common elements
Professional Skills
Define objectives, develop a strategy, negotiate, assess results, self-evaluate, identify failures and possibilities for improvement.
- Reading and Preparation for Class: 4 hours a week / 48 hours a semester
- Research and Preparation for Group Work: 4 hours a week / 48 hours a semester
- Research and Writing for Individual Assessments: 2 hours a week / 24 hours a semester
- Short research paper (Midterm): 25%
- Wargame: 30%
- Final exam: 35%