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Strategic Studies II (without Exercises)
Strategische Studien II (ohne Übungswoche)
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:07:37
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 , WBZ
- 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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Science in Perspective (In “Science in Perspective”-courses students learn to reflect on ETH’s STEM subjects from the perspective of humanities, political and social sciences. Only the courses listed below will be recognized as "Science in Perspective" courses.)
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Type A: Enhancement of Reflection Competence (SiP courses are recommended for bachelor students after their first-year examination and for all master- or doctoral students. All SiP courses are listed in Type A. Courses listed under Type B are only recommendations for enrollment for specific departments.)
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DAS Military Sciences (The DAS in Military Sciences programme is executed every second year, Next start: Autumn Semester 2023.)