Module Information

This module provides an introduction to the study of strategy, the evolution of warfare and to the study of intelligence. It does this both historically and through engagement with contemporary issues. Its focus is on the role of force in international relations, the manner of its use and on how assessments are made over its possible use. But the module is also concerned with security, how ‘threats’ may be to individuals as well as states, and how non-military issues may also be seen as security threats.
The module consists of four key elements:
• War: the study of war, its evolving nature, the ethics of war and the role of force in the modern age
• Strategy: different forms of strategic thinking (conventional, deterrence and insurgency/terrorism)
• Intelligence: its history and practice in war and peace
• Contemporary issues in strategy and security

The module is in four linked sections. The module begins with a discussion of the nature and utility of force in the modern age, including the evolution from total war to 'new wars'. The second section is concerned with three different forms of strategy: strategies of compellence, of deterrence and irregular or asymmetric means. In the third section the role of intelligence is considered, including the legitimacy of intelligence gathering activities, intelligence and the state, and counter-espionage. Finally the module addresses a number of contemporary issues in strategy, including humanitarian intervention, nuclear proliferation and cyber-security.

6. LECTURE PROGRAMME

1. War, Strategy and Intelligence: Introduction to the module

A. War

2. The Study of War in International Relations
3. Clausewitz and the nature of war
4. ‘New’ wars
5. The ethics of war (Dr Christian Enemark)

B. Strategy

6. Strategies of compellence: ‘conventional’ war I
7. Strategies of compellence: ‘conventional’ war II
8. Strategies of deterrence I: the nuclear revolution and massive retaliation
9. Strategies of deterrence II: warfighting and existential deterrence
10. Warfare by other means I: Mao Zedong and revolutionary-guerrilla warfare
11. Warfare by other means II: from Che Guevara to Bin Laden
12. Q&A session 1

C. Intelligence (convenor Dr Gerry Hughes)

13. The History and Study of Espionage and Intelligence
14. Strategic Deception
15. Covert Action

D. Contemporary Issues in Strategy and Security

16. Cyber security (Dr Madeleine Carr)
17. Nuclear proliferation (Dr Jan Ruzicka)
18. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles/Drones (Dr Christian Enemark)
19. Health and security

20. Q&A session 2, including exam preparation

SEMINAR PROGRAMME

Seminar 1: The Changing Nature of War
Seminar 2: War and Force
Seminar 3: Air Power and Contemporary Military Operations
Seminar 4: Nuclear Weapons
Seminar 5: Terrorism
Seminar 6: Intelligence
Seminar 7: Cybersecurity
Seminar 8: Humanitarian Intervention and Peacekeeping