War studies

The course aims to offer an introduction to the study of war as a recurrent phenomenon of international politics. First, it outlines the main conceptual and theoretical tools of Strategic Studies. Second, it introduces students to the evolution of Western strategic thought, with a focus on the main domains of warfare - land, sea, air, the nuclear domain. Third, it presents some of the current strategic debates and their implications for military doctrines in the West and beyond.

By the end of the course, students will be able to (1) engage in theoretical discussions regarding war in international politics as well as to (2) apply the conceptual and theoretical tools of Strategic Studies to the analysis of specific wars and the way how they are waged. In particular, students will be able to: i. identify the different levels of analysis that account for the occurrence of wars; ii. disentangle the strategic, operational and tactical dimensions of wars; iii. identify the main issues related to the conduct of war in different domains; and iv. grasp some of the current dilemmas involved in the formulation of military doctrines.