Intelligence and International Security
This course explores the opaque world of intelligence and international security. The course begins with a survey of disciplines and methods of analysis before reviewing intelligence requirements as a component in policy processes that drive and inform decision making within the national security system. Lectures and discussion consider various intelligence related topics including espionage, covert action, politicization, counterintelligence, public oversight,intelligence failure, and reform. The course strikes a balance between contemporary issues and the storied histories of intelligence systems around the world. Though predominantly focused on the United States the course also considers intelligence activities in the United Kingdom, Russia, China, and elsewhere. Students grapple with historical and hypothetical problem sets based upon real-world scenarios to develop assessment capabilities. Required readings and assignments draw on classic and influential work in addition to declassified documents which illuminate the historical narrative in a tangible way. Optional readings and content are highlighted for students interested in additional material. Guest speakers are integrated into class discussion as schedules permit. The course concludes with reflections on how past experience informs current perspectives and might elucidate future intelligence requirements to better anticipate and understand the changing world.
Central Challenges of American National Security, Strategy, and the Press
From the rise of China and resurgence of Russia, to the nuclear weapons ambitions of North Korea and Iran, from America’s longest war in Afghanistan to the fight against terrorism in the Middle East, Central Asia, and East Africa, and emergence of cyber conflict, this course examines the central challenges to American national security. Through a series of mini cases, students address these issues as if they were professionals at the National Security Council working for the President or an assistant to the Secretary of State or Defense. In response to specific assignments, students write Strategic Options Memos that require analyzing the challenge, assessing the current strategy, and identifying alternative strategies for protecting and advancing national interests. Assignments require strategic thinking: analyzing dynamics of issues, formulating key judgements, and developing feasible strategies. In the real world of Washington today, this means thinking clearly about what the US is attempting to achieve in the world in the midst of a swirl of a government whose deliberations are often discombobulated by leaks, press reports, tweets, and fake news. A sub-theme of the course explores ways in which pervasive press coverage intrudes, sometimes informing, sometimes distorting, national security decision making.
The Situation Room: A National Security Council Exercise
This active learning course simulates the working experience of the United States National Security Council (NSC). Students role-play an individual member of the NSC: a statutory participant of the Principals Committee (PC), Deputies Committee (DC), or an ad hoc member from across government. These roles are assigned after two initial classes that focus on the history and responsibilities of the NSC. In classes thereafter, students are required to work in teams and subunits grappling with real-world problems under the impetus of time as a hypothetical, yet realistic crisis scenario unfolds from the third class through the end of the course. Breakout sessions require the production of key documents, memorandum, briefing content, and the development of policy options. PC meetings require briefing the President of the United States (POTUS) on potential courses of action along with updates concerning policy development. DC meetings foster tough discussion and appreciation for the various departments, agencies, and outcomes of large bureaucracies zeroed in on complex problems. Policy discussion examines precedent, produces realistic assessments, and sparks creativity in solving challenges many deem unsolvable. Consideration for decision making, policy implementation, and communication highlight known and underappreciated organizational dynamics. Required readings, dedicated lecture time, and special guests illuminate national security history in a tangible way that unpacks the challenges of planning and managing a crisis unfolding in near real-time.