Planning to Win: An Analysis of US Strategy
Course Description
As America’s adversaries grow stronger and more assertive, America’s relative advantages deteriorate, and the Western world’s “holiday from history” comes to an end, the United States will need to marshal its resources and employ them more effectively to defend its people, its allies, and their way of life. Strategy, the process by which the country’s leadership does that, is becoming more important, but the geopolitical, economic, technological, religious, and ideological shifts that are making global affairs more complex are also making strategy harder to do. How should policymakers categorize and analyze these changes? How does the government try to mitigate the threats posed by these shifting factors, and is that the best way forward? Through advanced seminars and a policy simulation, we will explore what strategy is, how the U.S. government tries to create strategies, and how that influences America’s geopolitical rivalries.
Apply by April 26 for priority admission. Final applications are due May 6.
Course Schedule:
Thursday, May 16: 5-8 pm
Friday, May 17: 9:30 am - 8:30 pm
Saturday, May 18: 10:30 am - 6 pm
Instructors
Mike Watson
Mike Watson is the associate director of Hudson Institute’s Center for the Future of Liberal Society. He holds a BA in history from the University of Virginia and an MA in security policy studies from George Washington University. His written work has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, Commentary, Tablet, National Interest, National Review, The Hill, American Purpose, Providence, and National Affairs. His research focuses on America’s competitive advantages against foreign adversaries and the historical roots of American foreign policy and strategic thought.
Peter Campbell
Peter Campbell is an associate professor at Baylor University, where his research interests include international security, civil-military relations, strategy, international relations scholarship and policy relevance, insurgency and counterinsurgency, the just war tradition, military culture, and cyber warfare. Dr. Campbell earned his BAH in philosophy from the University of Winnipeg, his MA in War Studies from King’s College London, and his PhD in political science from the University of Norte Dame. He is the author of several books and articles, including Military Realism: The Logic and Limits of Force and Innovation in the US Army, University of Missouri Press, 2019.
Simulation
In coordination with their peers, candidates will develop a National Security Strategy that will be informed by the program’s readings and discussions. After formulating the strategy, candidates will choose policy responses to a hypothetical crisis.
Highlighted Modules
Is there an American Grand Strategy?
Case Study: the Cold War
Making and Actuating Strategy: US vs. the PRC
Details
Course Dates
Application Deadline
April 26, 2024
Location
1201 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
#400
Washington, DC 20004
Capstone Project
Candidates will showcase their newly gained policy insight by completing their choice of an op-ed or policy memo. Projects are due a week after the end of program and will be assessed by committee upon the basis of their strategic soundness, original analysis, and grasp of the policy area. The quality of this project will determine if candidates are awarded the certification.
Eligibility
Our Policy Certificate Program is seeking an accomplished cohort of early career professionals who demonstrate capability and interest in American foreign and domestic policy issues. The selection committee will consider a candidate's subject matter expertise, creative thinking, writing ability, and professional background. Applicants should meet the following criteria:
-Undergraduate degree holder
-Professional Experience
-Demonstrated policy expertise in one or more relevant areas
-Highly competent writer and researcher