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Strategic Studies II (without Exercises)
Strategische Studien II (ohne Übungswoche)
Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:14:13
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 lecture addresses key questions in the field of Strategic Studies. In the second semester, fundamental concepts and their application are subjected to critical analysis. Political and military theorists, practitioners, and selected case studies are taken into consideration, while non-European thinkers and theories are likewise included. The focus lies on both the lasting effects and the practical implementation of strategic concepts. For each strategic conception discussed, particular attention is given to its historical context and the state of technological development at the time.
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
- 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 2025.)