Comparative Defence Planning - ZHSS8431

This course enables students to undertake a comprehensive analysis of the principles, priorities and processes shaping defence policy and planning in the new millennium. Students explore the different decisions regarding defence policy and planning that have been taken by a range of middle powers, often facing comparable challenges to Australia. They also explore the approaches of Australia’s regional neighbours to defence policy and planning. Students will use this specific subject matter knowledge to evaluate the appropriateness and efficacy of different defence policy and planning approaches.
This course is offered in distance mode and is designed to be a largely self-directed learning exercise. Students are required to independently research and write three essays. The first two essays (each around 2,000 words in length) build specific subject matter expertise in the defence policy approaches of two relevant countries. The third essay (around 3,000 words in length) builds on knowledge of specific country approaches and asks the student to evaluate these approaches through comparative analysis.