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Strategic Studies II (without Exercises)
Strategische Studien II (ohne Übungswoche)
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:53:27
Abstract
The SiP-accredited lecture series treats high-impact strategic theory from antiquity to the present, emphasizing in particular its specific time-related context as well as the corresponding state of military technology.
Objective
The participants know how the understanding of strategy has evolved over time. They understand the interplay of strategy's basic components: ends, ways, means. They know the most important classics of strategy and war theory and can place them in their specific time-related context, focusing in particular on the given state of military technology. Based on the analysis of historical and contemporary examples, they are aware of the mismatch between declaration and implementation of any given strategy. They are capable of analyzing original texts and modern scholarly works in the field of strategic studies.
Content
The two-term lecture series treats classic texts of strategic studies from antiquity to the present. Term 1 covers the theories up until roughly 1900, term 2 treats the theories eversince. Theories are considered classic if they were prominent in their respective times and if they enjoyed a strong reception thereafter, be it in literature, in academic debates or as guidelines for action. Each out of some 50 theories is discussed in three steps: time-related context, core elements and reception.
Resources
Lecture Notes
Prior to the lectures, the respective slides as well as primary sources and literature (as preparatory readings) are made available on Moodle.The program is also available online (www.milak.ch).
Literature
Peter Paret (ed.), Makers of Modern Strategy. From Machiavelli to the Nuclear Age, Princeton 1986 Elinor C. Sloan, Modern Military Strategy. An Introduction, Oxon/New York 2012 Lawrence Freedman, Strategy. A History, New York 2013 John Baylis, James J. Wirtz, and Colin S. Gray (eds.), Strategy in the Contemporary World. An Introduction to Strategic Studies, New York 2018
General Information
- Language
- German
- Levels
- DS
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture | Strategische Studien II |
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
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GESS Science in Perspective (Only the courses listed below will be recognized as "GESS Science in Perspective" courses. Further below you will find courses under the category "Type B courses Reflections about subject specific methods and content" as well as the language courses. During the Bachelor’s degree Students should acquire at least 6 ECTS and during the Master’s degree 2 ECTS. Students who already took a course within their main study program are NOT allowed to take the course again.)
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Type A: Enhancement of Reflection Competence (Suitable for all students. Students who already took a course within their main study program are NOT allowed to take the course again.)
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