The course examines the theories and concepts that form the basics of strategic studies as a distinct subfield of international relations (IR). The course presents the key ideas and themes of strategic studies, which deals with the preparation and use of military power to serve the ends of politics but also what are the means to avoid the use of force. Please note that the course is NOT directly interested in ethical and normative problems linked to the use of force. To adopt Robert Cox's terminology, the seminar is Problem-Solving and NOT Critical. That is why we do NOT really address notions like just wars or democratic peace, gender and feminism or post-colonialism. The seminar will include sections on the uses of strategic theory, instruments of war - land, sea, and air power - and their evolution, nuclear strategy, small wars and counter-insurgency, Information and cyber warfare, peacekeeping, victory, and defense planning. The course tries to address some theoretical works but it is more empirically oriented. The goal is thus to link the study of strategy with the realities of modern politics. The perspective adopted by the instructor is what Max Weber was calling “the ethic of responsibility” rather than the “the ethic of conviction” even though the two are not mutually exclusive. That's why terms like “must” and “should” tend to be avoided as well as moral indignation. The ultimate goal is to understand why actors are using force, not to condemn it but also to help students practice the skills that are critical to success in public service as well as the private sector—deep intellectual knowledge of the core issues of our time; analytical thinking and effective writing skills. Students are also expected to engage the readings fully and actively participate in seminar discussions and debates.
Ronald HATTO
Séminaire
English
A basic knowledge of international relations
Autumn 2024-2025
1) An Oral Presentation (exposé) (40% of the grade) An outline of the presentation is required for the professor.
2) A Final Take-Home Exam (40% of the grade). The take-home will be sent to you after the last session. You will have a few days to answer one question. The length of the exam is around 2,000 words. The questions may be on any topic seen during the semester.
3) Class Participation & Discussion (20% of the grade). Your online participation in this class is extremely important. As such, class participation will constitute 20 % of your final grade. The class participation grade will derive from regular attendance and discussion and analysis. Please be aware that skipping class (unexcused absences) will impact your grade in this area.
Formal lecture with open interactions between the lecturer and the students.
Course Reader (available on Google Drive) with one required reading per week.
ANGSTROM, Jan & WIDEN, J. J. (2015) Contemporary Military Theory: The Dynamics of War, London, Routledge.
BAYLIS, J., WIRTZ, J., COHEN, E. & GRAY, C. S. (Ed.) (2016) Strategy in the Contemporary World. An Introduction to Strategic Studies, 5th Edition, Oxford, Oxford University Press.
DAVID, Charles-Philippe (2012) La guerre et la paix. Approches contemporaines de la sécurité et de la stratégie, 3ème édition, Paris, Presses de Sciences-Po.
JORDAN, D, KIRAS, J. D., LONSDALE, D. J., SPELLER, I, TUCK, C. & WALTON, D. C. (2016) Understanding Modern Warfare, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press.