Foundations of Grand Strategy

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

The class will combine three main approaches to the study of grand strategy. First, it will engage in a close reading of classic texts by authors from different political and cultural contexts, such as Sun Tzu, Kautilya, Machiavelli, and Clausewitz. Second, it will examine historical case studies from ancient to modern times, chiefly great powers such as the Roman Empire, Mongol Empire, Soviet Union, and United States. Third, it will consider strategic issues of the contemporary world, including those involving the U.S., China, and some non-state actors such as multi-national corporations. The class aims to teach students how to think strategically about international history and global politics.