AH2B03: Contemporary Strategic Studies and International Relations

Module code: AH2B03

Module provider: Leadership, Organisations and Behaviour; Henley Business School

Credits: 20

Level: 5

When you'll be taught: Full year

Module convenor: Dr Vladimir Rauta, email: v.rauta@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: No placement specified

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: No

Talis reading list: T

Last updated: 19 November 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

ONLY AVAILABLE ON THE AHEP PROGRAMME

This module is run by SPPE .

This module explores contemporary debates in the fields of Strategic Studies and International Relations, placing a particular emphasis on their theoretical and conceptual underpinnings.  Focusing on developments in the academic understanding of war and strategy, it aims to deepen students’ understanding of the contemporary global strategic environment.  Throughout the module students are encouraged to think critically about the use and limitation of evidence and the ways in which this helps to inform structured thinking about strategy and international relations.

The module aims to:

Develop knowledge of debates within Strategic Studies and International Relations about the changing character of war and strategy;

Develop understanding of a range of theories and concepts which may inform a critical understanding of the contemporary strategic environment, such as proxy wars and hybrid warfare;

Develop students’ capacity to engage in conceptually and theoretically-informed thinking about war and strategy;

Enable students to articulate a clear understanding of the contemporary strategic  environment, the UK’s place within it, and the implications for the Army;

Cultivate the critical skills, awareness, and understanding necessary to recognize, evaluate, and explain current and future developments in global security, war, and strategy.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Acquire knowledge of a range of theoretical and conceptual debates in Strategic Studies about war and strategy.

2. Analyse central features of the contemporary global strategic environment using theoretical perspectives on the changing character of war and security.

3. Develop an ability to analyse, evaluate, and explain contemporary strategic developments;

4. Reflect on these developments’ possible implications for the Army in the twenty-first century.

Module content

The following content is indicative and may be subject to minor changes: 
Session 1. Introduction to the Module 
Session 2. Inter-state Competition (China)  
Session 3. Inter-state War (Russia)  
Session 4. The Politics of Nuclear Weapons 
Session 5. Civil Wars: Internal and External Dynamics in the 21st Century  
Session 6: Cyber Warfare 
Session 7: Sub-threshold Threats 
Session 8: The Future of War and Warfare

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

Students are required to:

Work through a series of on-line teaching materials, including slides, videos, and practical activities.

Read extensively from the supporting literature.

Reflect on the module content and readings individually and through contributions to learning journals.

Complete summative assignments on various aspects of the module.

Study hours

THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MODULE DESCRIPTION DOES NOT FORM ANY PART OF A STUDENT'S CONTRACT.