Handbook

Introduction to Strategic Studies introduces students to the role of military force in international affairs in both its policy and operational dimensions. It is an interdisciplinary field concerned with the causes, conduct, and consequences of war.  This course introduces students to the concepts and issues that are central to the field. It will develop awareness of the choices and constraints facing political leaders and military planners in times of crisis, provide an insight into the dynamics of war, and clarify the key contemporary debates about the role and utility of force in international affairs. The course covers the foundations of modern strategic thought and warfare in the twentieth century before focusing on the new challenges presented by the complexity and uncertainty of the post-Cold War world, including the return of great power competition and contemporary Australian strategy. Particular attention is paid to developing an awareness of the changing nature of war and the key trends shaping the future development and employment of military capabilities.