Military Power and Effectiveness

The threat and use of military force are an important component of state power and influence. In international relations theory, military power is often argued to be a primary determinant of international outcomes. But what is military power, and how do states actually translate it into effectiveness in war? This course seeks to explain why some states develop highly effective militaries that are proficient fighting machines, whereas others seemingly cannot execute the simplest tasks. Students will survey concepts and theories of military effectiveness and apply them to historical and contemporary issues in the use of military force. They will learn about the factors that determine military performance at all levels of war—tactical, operational, strategic, and political. Given the ongoing war in Ukraine and the threat of conflict over Taiwan, I expect such a seminar could be attractive to the student body.