Dimensions of Modern Strategy IR-505

Syed Muhammad Ali Department of International Relations NDU 2011

Objectives
This is a Core IR Course which is aimed at introducing the students of International Relations to the basic conceptual framework of strategy and its relationship and significance for statecraft. This will be followed by a brief exposure to selected Classical works on strategic thought, its theoretical and practical aspects and finally understanding its various modern and evolving dimensions.

Requirement
The Students are expected to not only develop an understanding of the relationship between statecraft, national interests, policy and the diverse range of available and possible strategic means to pursue them but also to critically appreciate the relationship between politics and the use of both soft and hard power.

Teaching Methodology
The students are encouraged to consult a variety of contemporary and classical texts and develop an understanding of the modern strategic issues by actively engaging in academic debates in the form of Class participation, presentations, group Discussions and by also writing book reviews of relevant and credible literary works on strategic affairs and issues.

Course Structure
The Course is structured into the following six thematic sections (2-3 weeks each): 1.Strategy: Theoretical & Conceptual Framework 2.Introduction & Interpretation of Classics 3.Conventional Strategy and Evolution of Joint-Warfare 4.Contemporary Approaches to Strategic Affairs 5.Issues affecting Grand Strategy 6.Future of Strategy & Warfare

Assessment Criteria
Surprise test/Quiz: 10 Marks Book Review + Presentation: 20 Marks Mid-Term Written Exam: 20 Marks Class Participation + Group Discussion: 10 Marks Final Written Exam: 90 Marks Total marks: 150 Marks

Man, State and War by

Kenneth N. Waltz

 Concept of Victory

War: Relationship between Means & Ends?

Are victory and defeat mutually exclusive Concepts? Is total victory possible in 20th century warfare? Is war more avoidable today than before? Is the relationship between means and ends more proportionate today than before?

Relationship between Past & Present

Frequency of wars Are wars increasing or decreasing? Destructiveness of wars Are Wars becoming more destructive than before? Justness of Wars Are Wars more just today than before?

Top Ten Most Destructive Wars

60,000,00072,000,000 - World War II (19391945) 36,000,000 - An Shi Rebellion (China, 755763) 30,000,00060,000,000 - Mongol Conquests (13th century) 25,000,000 - Qing dynasty conquest of Ming dynasty (16161662) 20,000,000 - World War I (19141918) 20,000,000 - Taiping Rebellion (China, 18501864) 20,000,000 - Second Sino-Japanese War (19371945) 10,000,000 - Warring States Era (China, 475 BC221 BC) 8,000,00012,000,000 - Dungan revolt (China, 1862 1877) 7,000,000 - 20,000,000 - Conquests of Tamerlane (1370 1405)

 Is Peace less desired today than before? Are there ways not yet tried to achieve peace today? What is the relationship between leadership and peace? Is it an issue of will or capability?

 What are the causes of War? Are they different today than before? How & Why?

If we are all equally good or bad then why the Holier than thou attitude towards others?
Why disease, exploitation, injustice, hatred, theft, murder are constants in human history in all religions, races, nations and parts of the world? Is war simply mass male violence?
Means and ends: What is their relationship? Nature or nurture?

Economic & Political dimensions of Warfare

Clausewitz: Is war a means for the political elite to pursue their ends? What is peace? Is it the acceptance of exploitation of the poor and powerless by the elite both at inter-state and intra state levels?

Is peace the acceptance of defeat by the weak at the hands of the mighty? Is war a violent pursuit of justice by the weak to change the status quo? What is Human nature? Rousseaus argument

Significance of Fear & authority in War and Peace

Relationship between fear and peace Relationship between authority and peace Relationship between actors (individuals) and structures (institutions) and consequences for War and peace Relationship between State and the international system

International conflicts
Revisit Nature or Nurture debate States and Bad States model (Plato & Kant and Liberal School of thought) Systemic Characteristics (Marxism, Rousseau) A Behaviour designed more to stay out of harms way itself rather than to harm others (e.g; doctrine of prevention) A question of Trust/Faith: A natural trait?

What is better for World peace : one power or many?

What is the Relationship between internal and international peace? Is the balance or power a necessary lesser evil as compared to a centralist authoritarian world international government (e.g; rule of a single super power or a single world organization like UN etc? Negotiation or Compromise?

Approaches towards World Peace

Internal: Improving State systems & Structures (Liberal approach) External: Improving its relations with other states by resolving conflicts. (Realist Approach: Machiavelli, Hobbes and Rousseau etc)

Wilsonian approach: Does War depend upon the type of government?

Good states (democratic) Bad States (Authoritarian) Neutral States (Interest based uncertainty.) (E.g; Napoleonic wars and World Wars experience)

Democracies dont go to wars: Liberal School of Thought?

Can a government controlled by its people be prevented from taking the state to war? Is it true that some states go to wars and others dont? Can a peaceful form of state be created? Will globalization promote peace or conflict? (e.g; Eisenhowers argument) Significance of perception, hatred, knowledge about others for peace and conflict (e.g; class ridden society, education system etc.) What is better for peace: Uniformity or diversity?