Soft Power and Natl Security

3 Credits · Level: Graduate

This course will examine the role of global non-state actors – activists, journalists, terrorists, non-governmental organizations, etc -- in international relations and how states try to influence them to meet their national security objectives. Traditionally, the U.S. government has used foreign public engagement and information activities to build global networks to advance U.S. foreign policy goals. Today, it finds itself working to influence foreign citizens within a complex and unprecedented intersection of technological expediency, weaponized information, and simultaneous ideological and ground wars. Students will examine a diverse range of scholarship on the intersection of international politics, communication, technology, and culture. The course will bring together international relations theory with communications theory, looking specifically at social constructivism, nationalism and identity, international news production, disinformation, protest and social movements, and public diplomacy. Each class will connect theory with current events relating to national security issues. Depending on the topic and class time, a guest speaker working on the frontlines of the issues covered in class will be able to also share their experiences, illustrating for students the relevancy of various literatures and theories. Finally, through papers and active class participation, the course will challenge students to think deeply about the role global publics play in international relations, and strategically about how to effectively use communication tools to support U.S. national security objectives.