BLHS-246 Development of U.S. National Security Policy

Faculty:

McMahon, Michael

This course provides students with a basic framework for understanding the structure and practice of US national security policy. The class begins by discussing the social, political and intellectual trends that drove the development of national security policy from the founding of the Republic to the current day. We then focus on the modern period, examining policy and institutional developments during the Cold War and the post 9-11 environments. We will conclude with a discussion of major security challenges facing the United States in the 21st century. In addition to scholarly writings, lecture, and classroom discussion, we will be focusing on and examining key primary source documents (federal law and legislation, political treatises, executive orders, international treaties, etc.) that have shaped policy. Upon completion, students should be able to identify key actors, institutions, and historical trends that continue to shape US national security policy.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: None

Course syllabi
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Fall '10: McMahon M (file download)

Additional syllabi may be available in prior academic years.

Other academic years
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• 2009-2010 Fall and Spring
• 2011-2012 Fall and Spring
• 2012-2013 Fall and Spring
• 2013-2014 Fall and Spring

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