07223 - Strategic Studies

Learning outcomes

The objective of this course is to equip students with fundamental knowledge about war and the use of force in both conventional and non-conventional contexts. By the end of the course, students will be familiar with key strategic perspectives and will be able to utilize the appropriate conceptual tools. They will also demonstrate the ability to analyze the dynamics of organized violence conducted by both state and non-state actors in their interactions with one another.

Course contents

This course offers an in-depth introduction to the field of Strategic Studies. Starting from the classical understanding of war and strategy, the course explores the evolving nature, conduct, and theory of armed conflict from both historical and contemporary perspectives. We begin by examining the conceptual boundaries of Strategic Studies in comparison to Security Studies. We then explore the moral and philosophical dimensions of war, with a particular focus on the distinction between killing and murder, and the diverse uses of force in international politics. The heart of the course investigates core strategic concepts such as tactics, strategy, and grand strategy, through classical and contemporary texts. A central focus is placed on the transformation of armed conflict in the post-Cold War and post-9/11 eras. We analyze current trends in global violence, the return of interstate war, and the dynamics of contemporary armed conflict through empirical and theoretical lenses. A substantial part of the course is devoted to nuclear strategy and proliferation, covering both the evolution of nuclear thinking—from deterrence to arms control—and the enduring relevance of the Waltz-Sagan debate. This is followed by two sessions on terrorism, where we critically assess divergent strategic logics of terrorism, including state-sponsored violence and insurgent tactics. The course also explores guerrilla warfare, insurgency, and counterinsurgency (COIN), combining historical analysis with contemporary critiques. Finally, the strategic, ethical, and political implications of the use of drone and AI in war will be considered.

Readings/Bibliography

1. Introduction: strategic studies vs security studies
2. What is war?
3. Armed conflicts in the contemporary world
4. The causes of wars I
5. The causes of wars II
6. Strategy, tactics and grand strategy
7. On the uses of force
8. Clausewitz the strategist
9. Clausewitz the philosopher of war
10. Mid-term
11. Nuclear strategy
12. Nuclear proliferation
13. Terrorism I
14. Terrorism II
15. Insurgency and guerrilla warfare
16. Counter-insurgency and COIN
17. Drone warfare
18. Warfare and artificial intelligence
19. Strategic studies and their limitations
20. Final Exam

Teaching methods

The course is structured around lectures, critical readings, in-class discussions, and two exams (mid-term and final). Students are expected to develop a nuanced understanding of the strategic dimensions of conflict and a critical perspective on the ways power is exercised through organized violence.

Teaching tools

Power point, video

Office hours

See the website of Lorenzo Zambernardi