Teaching

DSS 712 examines the evolution of American national security policy from the founding of the Republic to today. The course examines how geography, economics, technology, strategic culture, and political leadership shape American vital interests, responses to threats, security policy choices, and their consequences. The seminar surveys vital national interests and security goals from the early Republic, continental and hemispheric expansion, the world wars, creation of the postwar order, containment and détente, the Cold War’s end, the post-Cold War era, and current challenges involving China, Russia, alliances, nuclear deterrence, and emerging domains.

DSS 700 examines how the United States translates strategic objectives into defense policies. The course examines cases in which policy makers chose security commitments, actions, and capabilities to meet strategic challenges such as the Global War on Terrorism, the Pacific Pivot, and the Ukraine War. Study of these cases reveals how defense policy choices were made and whether and why these policy choices were effective. These insights are applied in the formulation of defense policies for today's security challenges, addressing contemporary questions of force structure and posture, defense spending and force modernization, alliances, and security cooperation.

DSS 703 examines how scientific knowledge and advanced technology shape - and are shaped by - defense policy and the quest for military advantage. The course familiarizes students with security-related S&T institutions and practices. Students examine the challenges and effective use of scientific expertise in formulating security strategy and defense policy. Using historical case studies, students study technology as an aspect of American strategic culture, seeking to understand US military adaptation of and to advanced technology. The course equips students to critically evaluate defense policy aspects of S&T, including competitive strategies, R&D investment, technology transition, the role of technology in military innovation, and industrial adaptation under conditions of rapid technological change.