2.0

credits

Average Course Rating

In this course, we will examine key theories, topics, and issues in international security, and how those apply/relate to the space domain. The course has both theoretical and analytical components. In the theoretical part, we will define main concepts and analyze the key international relations (IR) approaches to the study of international security: realism, liberalism, & constructivism. In the analytical part, we will explore several topics in international security, grouped under three overarching themes: traditional security threats, less conventional security challenges, and strategic power politics. We will begin by examining ‘traditional’ issues in international security and how states have responded, often successfully, to security challenges in the past. This part proceeds chronologically starting with the creation of the modern state in Westphalia in 1648 until today. Then, we will analyze six, less conventional security challenges, namely (1) transnational and domestic terrorism, (2) weapons of mass destruction, (3) environmental and energy scarcity, (4) transnational crime networks and vulnerable populations, (5) cyber security, and (6) issues in space security. Next, we will assess the current state of strategic power politics in terms of strategic challengers, including China, Russia, several other regions, and key spacefaring nations. We will conclude with a discussion of emerging and future security threats ad how those may challenge established international security concepts and norms of behavior. While those are not the only security challenges, this course will provide an introductory glimpse into the complexities of the international security environment in which state and nonstate actors exist and will familiarize students with leading academic work done to date in each area. All topics will include an extended discussion on how the topic du jour extends and applies to the space domain.