Theory of Strategy
| Module title | Theory of Strategy |
|---|---|
| Module code | POLM019NDU |
| Academic year | 2026/7 |
| Credits | 30 |
| Module staff |
Module description
This module introduces you to foundational concepts in national and international security strategy. Engaging with both the theoretical literature and key empirical cases, the module examines the workings of international politics and the strategic choices necessary for states to survive and thrive therein. The module thus provides a broad grounding in the international environment in which states make their strategic choices, the factors that constrain their strategic choices, and the concerns that motivate their strategic choices.
The module explores the theory and practice of national and international security strategy. The module aims to provide you with:
- A thorough grounding in the causes of conflict and cooperation between states;
- Core insights into the motivators of – and constraints upon – states’ strategic behaviour;
- An understanding of key fault-lines in the theoretical and corresponding policy debates;
- A sense of the enduring relevance – or otherwise – of scholarly thought on both the contemporary international system and states’ strategic choices;
- An ability to apply theoretical ideas to real-world problems of national and international security.
Module aims - intentions of the module
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
| Credit value | 30 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 15 |
| NQF level (module) | 7 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |