DSS 801 - Advanced Nuclear Strategy, Deterrence and Arms Control

Credit Hours: 3

It is always safer and cheaper to deter a war rather than to wage war. However, as a practitioner of strategy, one must understand the theory of deterrence before one can begin to apply a strategy of deterrence. Today’s strategists are working in a dynamic and multipolar environment. They will need to devise various and flexible approaches of deterrence across the strategic spectrum; adapting to diverse opponents, threatscapes, and milieus. This course explores deterrence theory, doctrine, strategy, and application across a spectrum of environments. It provides students with a practitioner’s perspective of nuclear deterrence and cross-domain deterrence in the 21st century and enhances their knowledge of deterrence theory and application from the nation-state perspective. Finally, this course will expose students to [national] grand strategy development as well as deterrence theory methodology and application in various domains and environments to include nuclear deterrence, deterrence in space and cyberspace, and deterrence of rogue states and terrorist organizations. This course will explore these and other issues related to deterrence and national security in the 21st century. It is meant to present the complex topic of “deterrence theory.” Students are encouraged to consider the spectrum of alternative points of view reviewed in the course material. The first block will introduce the basics of deterrence and the concept of nuclear deterrence. The second block will explore 21st century deterrence methods through the kaleidoscope of threats and environments to include nuclear, outer space, cyberspace, terrorism, conventional forces, and diplomacy. In the final block, students will apply 21st century deterrence theory by crafting and presenting a short opinion paper, gaming deterrence and escalation control strategy, and garnering the perspective of deterrence thinkers and doers. During this course, students will gain and demonstrate an understanding of: 1) the Ends-Ways-Means of nation-state deterrence strategy; 2) the characteristics and methods of deterrence across the operational spectrum; 3) the evolution of nuclear deterrence and the strategic triad; 4) the methods and potential impact of adversary deterrence, how deterrence can fail, and the consequences of deterrence failure.

Lecture Contact Hours: 3

Typically Offered: Fall, Spring