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Strategic Studies I
Strategische Studien I
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:28:56
Abstract
The lecture Strategic Studies deals with the use of political and military power from an interdisciplinary and global perspective.
Objective
Participants know how the understanding of strategy has changed over time. They understand the interplay between the basic components of strategy. They know the main strategic concepts and models and are able to discuss them critically. By examining selected historical and contemporary examples, they are aware of the inherent tension between the formulation (declaration) and application (implementation) of strategies. They are able to critically analyse original texts and contemporary publications in the field of strategic studies. They are able to use case studies to explain how technological change affects strategic thinking.
Content
The two-semester course covers key issues in strategic studies. The first semester focuses on key concepts and foundations, which are applied and critically discussed in the second semester. Both political and military theorists, practitioners and case studies will be discussed. The course also emphasizes the role of non-European thinkers and theories. The focus will then be on the impact and practical implementation. For each of the strategies discussed, the original context and the state of technological development will be highlighted.
Resources
Lecture Notes
Prior to the lectures, the respective slides are provided as well as a primary sources and literature, as preparatory readings (via Moodle).
Literature
Jan Angstrom, J.J. Widen, Contemporary Military Theory: The Dynamics of War, London 2015. John Baylis et al. (ed.), Strategy in the Contemporary World. An Introduction to Strategic Studies, New York 2018. Jeremy Black, Military Strategy. A Global History, New Haven 2020. Hal Bands (ed.), The New Makers of Modern Strategy, Princeton 2023. Hervé Coutau-Bégarie, Traité de stratégie, Paris 2002. Nathan K. Finney (ed.), On Strategy. A Primer, Fort Leavenworth 2020. Lawrence Freedman, Strategy. A History, New York 2013. Beatrice Heuser, Den Krieg denken. Die Entwicklung der Strategie seit der Antike, Paderborn 2010. David Jordan et al., Understanding Modern Warfare, Cambridge 2016. Thomas G. Mahncken, Joseph A. Maiolo (ed.), Strategic Studies. A Reader, London 2008. 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 2017.
General Information
- Language
- German
- Levels
- BSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture | Strategische Studien I |
|
2 h weekly |