Understanding and mastering strategic affairs with particular attention to military operations and technology. Developing a basic knowledge-set, both at the theoretical and at the practical level, to enable students to understand, and eventually contribute to, the main debates characterizing it.

The class intends to contribute to the intellectual and professional growth of participants through five criteria: Knowledge and Understanding: Attendance will enable students to acquire, or strengthen, specific knowledge regarding strategic affairs and in particular military operations and technology and the dynamics underlying decision making. Assessment will take take place through the mid-term, a class presentation and at the end of the course through a short essay. Ability to apply knowledge e understanding: Thanks to the deepening of multiple theoretical approaches and specialization on more specific military issues, together with constant reference to the methodological approach, students will be able to apply and interpret the principles underlying strategic studies, identifying dynamics, trends and possible challenges - as well as solutions. Autonomy of judgment: Thanks to the class presentations, the recommended readings, and the assignments, the student will be able to know the main authors, the most authoritative sources, will be able to extricate him/herself from more specialized issues, so as to possess the skills to collect, and independently evaluate data and information. Communication skills: At the end of the class the student will not only master specific terminology and appropriate vocabulary, but also identify the main themes and debates behind individual themes or issues. Through the different types of tests, written and oral, we intend to improve the communication skills of students from a logical, stylistic and content point of view. Learning skills: Through the knowledge acquired and the methodology learned during the lessons, the student will be able to elaborate in-depth analysis e conduct research by consulting specialized texts and magazines. The student will develop a solid understanding of the aspects fundamentals of the matter that will allow it to continue to deepen also in autonomy the issues addressed.

The class is focused on the primary actors of the international system, the factors informing strategic deciisions, the evolution of conflict as well as military technology and operations.

The bulk of the class is built around academic articles published in the most important international journals, primarily nternational Security, Security Studies e Journal of Strategic Studies. Most articles are freely available online through a simple google or scholar.google search. Otherwise, they can be access through the university’s online catalogue. In case of problems, contact the instructor. Attendance is mandatory and students are required to do all weekly readings.

Frontal classes.

One mid-term exam with multiple questions. One multiple question-exam with 2 open questions. Students obtaining at least 27/30 at the mid-term can opt for a 5 page-long essay.

A 28/30 grade and active participation in the course.