Prof. General (Ret.) Isaac Ben Israel

The course deals with strategic solutions to security problems, applied by super-powers as well as by small countries like Israel. It distinguishes between strategy and grand-strategy and discusses the main strategic variables, including economy, demography and society, which transcend the realm of military strength. The spectrum of solutions includes those that involve the application of force, e.g., wars, covert actions etc., and those that do not, e.g. deterrence, international agreements, alliances, etc.
The strategic role of the principles of relative advantage and indirect approach will be analyzed thoroughly, especially their usage in the buildup of strategic force. Special attention will be given to the role of nuclear weapons in the global strategy after the Second World War, including issues such as the proliferation and control of weapons of mass destruction.The course will also include a discussion of new emerging topics like information warfare.

Syllabus