Grand Strategy and Statecraft

In this course we will assess the theory and practice of grand strategy and statecraft – the overarching vision states have for their role in the world and the means with which they pursue this vision. Student learning will be guided by the following questions: What is the purpose of a grand strategy? What factors influence the formulation of grand strategies? What are the consequences of different grand strategies? We will conduct a comparative study of grand strategies over time and across countries with an emphasis on the connections between the goals of the strategy and the tools of statecraft used in its pursuit. Students will write a final paper that crafts a grand strategy for a leader confronting a real strategic challenge in a contemporary or historical case.