Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Synopsis The subject explores both the character of strategic analysis and the nature of military aspects of international security. An underlying theme concerns the way assumptions about the nature of world politics help to shape defence planning (and vice versa). The subject is divided into four parts. Part one provides an introduction to the subject and outlines some of the conceptual issues involved in this sort of study. The nature of strategic studies is discussed, as are the major criticisms of the field. Part two looks at nuclear forces. How has the concept of deterrence been translated into military plans and arms control policy? How are nuclear forces being rationalised in the `New World Order?' Part three examines the evolution of Australian defence policy. Part four looks at the prospects of `common security' and the implications of the concept for the management of military power; Europe and the United Nations are used as case studies.
Assessment Essay (6000): 50% + Examination (3 hours): 50%