U.S. National Security Policy 2104-ERASMUS-USSE
The course will consist of introduction, three main modules (each concentrated on particular group of issues) and end with defining new challenges for the U.S. security strategy.
In the introductory part we will set up the general scene for the U.S. security issues. We will concentrate on definition problems, changing world environment, institutional framework and post-cold war U.S. security strategies.
In the first part of the course we will analyze the political and military dimensions of U.S. security strategy. We will concentrate on U.S. relations with other states (allies and enemies); U.S. security and terrorism; U.S. military power, arms proliferation, WMD; irregular challenges, intervention and counterinsurgency.
In the second part of the course we will focus on the economic dimension of the U.S. security. This will include such issues as: globalization and international political economy (IPE); U.S. economic security and interdependence; global economic crisis and U.S. security.
The third part of the course will deal with the social and environmental issues connected with security problems. We will analyze the migration issues, ethnic and religious conflicts; environmental problems; new challenges for U. S. national security.
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
After finishing this course students should:
understand main problems and issues in the U.S. National Security area
have a background knowledge in various areas of the U.S. National Security
become familiar with a variety of sources on the U.S. National Security available in selected literature and through the Internet
develop the capacity for analytical and critical thinking
develop the ability to formulate reasoned conclusions
develop writing skills (student should: use the available resources properly, be able to synthesize ideas from different sources in formulating valid thesis statements, know how to incorporate texts into writing, including citing sources and creating bibliographies)
Assessment criteria
1. Class participation. This includes regular attendance as well as meaningful participation in class discussions. No more than two unexcused absences will be allowed in this course (one double session).
2. Students’ project (individual or group - depending on the number of students attending this course; it covers any form of students’ engagement in the class activities prepared and executed by students – presentation, case study, work in groups, discussion etc.; the project may be presented in class or issued in the form of written paper).
3. Final quiz
Practical placement
none
Bibliography
1. Basic literature:
• National Security Strategies of the US, 2010, 2017, INSS 2021
• J. Goldstein and J. Pevehouse, International Relations, (you may find this book in the Main UW library - BUW)
• P.D. Williams, Security Studies. An Introduction, Routledge, 2018 (third edition), or Williams P.D., Security Studies. An Introduction, Routledge, 2013 (second edition), p. 1-11., https://www.academia.edu/25723482/Paul_D_Williams_Security_Studies_An_Introduction
• A. A. Jordan, W.J. Taylor Jr., M.J. Meese, S.C. Nielsen, American National Security, The Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, 2018 (seventh edition) or 2009 (sixth edition).
• Selected articles not covered in this syllabus and to be send by email
• Bacevich Andrew J., The Limits of Power: The End of American Exceptionalism, Holt McDougal, 2009
• Buzan Barry, The United States and the Great Powers: World Politics in the Twenty-first Century, Polity Press, 2004
• Leffler Melvyn P. (ed.), Legro Jeffrey W. (ed.), To Lead the World: American Strategy after the Bush Doctrine, OUP USA, 2008
• Nye Joseph, Future of Power, PublicAffairs, 2011
• Watson Cynthia A., U.S. National Security: A Reference Handbook, ABC-CLIO, 2008
• Zakaria Fareed, The Post-American World: And The Rise Of The Rest, Penguin, 2009
2. Selected articles from:
• THE WASHINGTON QUARTERLY, International Herald Tribune,
• Foreign Affairs, National Interest, The Economist
• and other magazines…
3. Reports of the prominent American and European think tanks and research institutes.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: