National Security Policy

In this course, students will examine the complexities of U.S. national security policy and policy making from a variety of intellectual approaches (e.g., geostrategic, diplomatic, political, economic, legal, and ethical).

The class will be built around three National Security Council role-playing simulations: Humanitarian Intervention in South Sudan, The North Korean Nuclear Threat, and Cyber Clash with China. Students will be assigned roles (e.g., Secretary of State, Director of National Intelligence), and work in small teams (e.g., State Department) to understand, analyze, and respond to various national security crises set before students.

The three simulations will each be played over six class sessions. The first session will consist of an introduction to the issue/crisis, a preview of the international relations (IR) concepts involved in the issue, an overview of the policy options, and preliminary team discussions. Subsequent sessions will consist of research, analysis, discussion, and policy recommendations presented to the President. The final session will consist of a presidential directive, debrief (including a review of concepts), and reflection.

The simulations are designed to create leadership and decision-making experiences in a complex and interconnected world. Students, working in teams, are expected to conduct considerable independent reading and research between class periods.