Allies, Partners, US Nat Sec

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Juris Doctor

Throughout the national security space, the phrase “allies and partners” is applied often. From strategy documents to high-level engagements, U.S. decision makers note the invaluable role other nations play in enhancing U.S. position and strength and how U.S. national security policies must act to continue and enhance this trend. The hard work begins when converting this high-level guidance into actual approaches for a given ally or partner. Understanding the forces at work upon like-minded nations and to what extent their security goals and actions align with those of the United States are critical to shaping realistic policies. This course will help students explore how to shape informed, measured policy recommendations for U.S. leadership when engaging with these nations. Using the lenses of security concerns, economic pressures, and domestic political dynamics, students will have a better understanding of the pressures and demands policy makers of particular allies and partners face. The conduct of the course will be weighted heavily towards discussion and with a measure of student-led conversation for each ally and partner as part of their participation grade. Students will also be assigned a mid-term policy memo exploring either the U.S. position or that of an ally or partner in deepening the relationship between the two parties. A final paper looking at how to merge various ally and partner activities into a future U.S. allied and partner policy will also be assigned.