Econ of Competitrs/Adversaries

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

In December 2017, the Administration published a National Security Strategy that outlined a different approach for the United States. The document outlined a security view that identified China and Russia as challengers to US power in a world of growing political, economic, and military competition. The document characterized Iran and North Korea as active adversaries, seeking to challenge US and allied interests within their region. This course examines each of these actors from an economic viewpoint, proceeding from the premise that a national economic base provides the resources from which these nations provide for domestic living standards while at the same time resourcing their national security objectives. The course provides an overview of each nation in context to its regional and world economy and in comparison to the US. The course will examine contemporary and projected trends for each nation and relate these to security and strategy. This is designed as an economics course for security professionals who are NOT economists. The instructor will familiarize students with basic macroeconomic concepts and provide a framework for inquiry which the seminar will apply to each of the actors. The seminar will then draw conclusions for strategy and decision-makers. Assignments will consist of short presentations, a short decision paper for each nation, and a medium-length (8 – 12 page) paper on a national topic chosen by the student.