Rationale 

This course provides an introduction to the key elements and challenges of national security based on how they are currently being shaped in the 21st century.  The fundamental theoretical approaches associated with the discipline will be examined and utilised during the analysis of critical security concerns. Among the topics discussed are the developments in national security, its basic purpose and its symbiotic relationship with international security. The course will also focus on the fundamental features of national security strategy, such as the actors and processes that contribute to its formulation as well as the internal and external security threats that it is called upon to face. The ability of a country to manage crises when they arise, as well as the development of national security policies in reaction to crises, will be explored. Particular focus will be given on aspects of intelligence studies since they are considered to be central features of national security.  To conclude the course explores challenges and principles of ethics in the national security arena.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course students will be expected to:

(i)    Evaluate the factors classifying a problem as a security threat.
(ii)   Appraise existing and emerging security threats.
(iii)  Distinguish between different theoretical reasoning approaches applicable to claimed security challenges.
(iv)  Describe the distinctions and symbiotic link between national and global security.
(v)   Identify the factors and procedures that influence the development of a country's national security strategy.
(vi)  Explain how governments and political actors respond to and deal with emerging or potential national security challenges.
(vii) Describe a country’s vital interests and how its national security strategy secures them.
(viii) Define the role of intelligence and its influence on national security.
(ix)  Explain ethical dilemmas and principles within the national security arena.