This course introduces students to key issues in U.S. national security policy. We will examine U.S. interests in the post-cold war era, threats to these interests from states and terrorist organizations, and policies for minimizing the danger posed by these threats. Topics include the U.S. National Security Strategy and its emphasis on preventive action; prospects for peace in Europe and the future of the Atlantic alliance; the prospects for peace in Northeast Asia and the potential challenges posed by a rising China; roles and requirements for U.S. conventional forces; U.S. nuclear strategy and force requirements, and national missile defense; the dangers posed by the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and terrorism, and policies for dealing with them; and Iraq. In addition, the course provides background on the challenges the United States faced during the cold war and the policies it pursued to meet them. While primarily concerned with policy questions, the course will explore theoretical issues that provide the foundation for U.S. security policy. The course should be valuable to students who plan to pursue careers in international relations and security policy. It is broad enough in scope to provide a useful introduction to students interested in security issues, but not preparing to work in this area.
