Practicing Politics and Government in an Age of Disruption

(3 Credits)

What drives global disruption, and how must leaders adapt traditional tools - diplomacy, defense, and communications - to an age of populism and technological upheaval? The first quarter of the 21st century has been defined by rapid, seismic events: 9/11 (2001), the Iraq War (2003), the 2008 financial crisis, the Syrian conflict (2011), Russia’s invasions of Ukraine (2014, 2022), the COVID-19 pandemic (2020), and renewed Middle East tensions. Together, these crises have fueled international insecurity and domestic populism. In this course, students will investigate the causes and consequences of this turbulence, focusing on the choices confronting world leaders. Drawing on original source material, political commentary, and the instructor’s real-world expertise, students will examine how leadership tools are evolving. Students will interview expert witnesses - including advisors, civil servants, politicians, and journalists. Each topic concludes with a practical writing exercise where students apply these insights to navigate the choices leaders face in a disrupted world.