F1IS 4235 - Understanding The Use of Force in World Politics

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.

Learning Outcomes:

• Identify and discuss the key concepts associated with strategic analysis;
• Evaluate alternative policies and strategies;
• Justify these alternatives

Professional Skills:

The ultimate aim is 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 in the limits of the format of a lecture.

A basic knowledge of international relations.

As soon as I can after grading presentations/papers.

• An Oral Presentation (40% of the grade). Each week, two or three students will be assigned a topic to investigate.
• Final Take-Home Exam (50% of the grade) during the last week of the session (between 1,800 and 2,000 Words).
• Class Participation & Discussion (10% of the grade). The class participation grade will derive from regular attendance and everyday discussion and analysis.

• In Class Presence: 2 hours a week / 24 hours a semester
• Reading and Preparation for Class: 2 hours a week / 24 hours a semester
• Research and Writing for Individual Assessments: 2 hours a week / 24 hours a semester