PIM100-NATO Strategy during and after the Cold War

Module Provider: Graduate Institute for Politics and International Studies
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Kenton White
Email: kenton.white@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module focusses on NATO’s Strategic Concepts which have developed since NATO was formed in 1949. Defence against the Soviet Union was the stated aim of NATO during the Cold War, but how has that aim changed with the dissolution of the Soviet Union? What were the consequences of the ‘New World Order’ for NATO following the Soviet Union’s break-up? The validity, applicability and practicality of the strategic concepts will be analysed in the context of the prevailing security environments. The current remodelling of NATO’s security concept will be considered in light of the renewal of immediate threats to it border in Eastern Europe. Where necessary the module draws on historical examples to illustrate the concepts and their applicability.

Aims:

This module will cover the development and execution of NATO’s strategic concepts from its inception in 1949 to the present day. These concepts will be compared both to the prevailing security environment and the assumed capability of the identified opponents. Students will understand the reasons for the creation of particular concepts and their alterations. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module students will have developed an in-depth knowledge of NATO strategic concepts and the reasons for their creation. The students will also understand NATO’s position during and after the Cold War. The geopolitical situation facing NATO members will be considered and addressed. Students will be able to develop their analytical skills and to be able to present that analysis in a well informed and effective way.

Additional outcomes:

• A greater understanding of the geopolitics of Europe


• Skills in oral and written presentation of ideas and concepts.


• Improved research skills using original material


• An ability to organise complex material for analysis and presentation


• Acquisition of career-enhancing analytical skills.


• Understanding of influences on domestic political and military policy.

Outline content:

• Explore the creation of NATO’s range of strategic concepts.


• Assess the practicality and usefulness of the concepts and their associated measures.


• Identify the most important aspects of NATO strategic concepts.

Global context:

As the largest military alliance in the world, the module will examine NATO’s global position. By its very nature, this module will cover global topics and events.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module will be taught by two-hour seminars. These will be structured around the core themes of threat and capabilities analysis from which NATO derived its strategic concepts. Students are expected to read widely and be familiar with related texts and NATO documents. Students are also expected to research and understand the relevant historical events around which NATO’s concepts were and are developed.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars		20
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)		30
Wider reading (directed)		40
Preparation for seminars		30
Preparation for performance		10
Essay preparation		50
Reflection		20
Total hours by term	0	200	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	90
Oral assessment and presentation	10

Summative assessment- Examinations:

There is no summer term examination for this module.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Students will complete two written assignments. The first of 3,000 words, weighted at 40% of the overall module mark; the second of 4,000 words at 50% of the overall mark

Students will undertake a short presentation as part of their assessment, and this will count for 10% of the overall module marks.  This is an individual presentation and students will be expected to talk for approximately 10 minutes, supported by presentation slides.

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy 'Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes', which can be found here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

50%

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment is in the same form as the original assessment. Re-sit examinations take place in August/September of the same year, or in April/May of the following year.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 30 March 2023