MVZ209 Global Security Challenges

Faculty of Social Studies
Autumn 2011
Extent and Intensity
2/0. 8 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
John Rose, Ph.D. (lecturer), PhDr. Petr Suchý, Ph.D. (deputy)
Guaranteed by
PhDr. Petr Suchý, Ph.D.
Department of International Relations and European Studies – Faculty of Social Studies
Contact Person: Olga Cídlová, DiS.
Prerequisites (in Czech)
SOUHLAS
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.

The capacity limit for the course is 11 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 0/11, only registered: 0/11
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives (in Czech)
Course Description: The course addressing “Global Security Challenges” will begin with a review of global security trends and challenges we face today and tomorrow,and evolve to a more detailed examination of emerging issues. We will examine issueswe see on the horizon that could have a significant impact on the future security environment. These issues include cyber security, WMD-Proliferation, melting of a polar ice cap (global warming/climate change), a global pandemic, illegal immigration, deterrence in the second nuclear age and potential regional conflict. One class period will be devoted to looking to the future where we will ask: What actions can we take today to prepare us for what may happen tomorrow? Students will be exposed to a variety of important and emerging “Global Security Challenges” where they will have the opportunity to examine, discuss, debate, argue potential threats, risks and instabilities.
Syllabus (in Czech)
  • COURSE SCHEDULE AND TOPICS: May 23, 2011: Seminar overview and introduction. Discussion of “Global Security Trends and Challenges” Readings:Arnas, Chapter’s 1, 2, 3, pages 1-45; Payne, Chapter 1, pages 1-16; Friedman, Author’s note, Preface & Overture. May 24, 2011: Discussion of “Global Iceberg Issues” (issues we can see but do not fully understand, such as, cyber security, a global pandemic, melting of a polar ice cap; WMD-Proliferation) Readings:Arnas, Chapter’s 17 & 18; Payne, Chapter 2, Friedman, Chapter 1. May 25, 2011: “Cyber Security” as a global security challenge Readings:Arnas, Chapter 8, pages 115-130 May 26, 2011: “WMD-Proliferation” as a global security challenge. Viewing & discussion of film “Dirty War”. Focus on how to prepare for the unthinkable in today’s security environment. Is it possible to stop a coordinated radioactive-weapons attack by determined terrorists in an international city? Readings: Handout will be provided prior to class. Plus: Payne, Chapter 3 & 4, Friedman, Chapter 4. May 27, 2011:Class will begin with a presentation on the global vision and leadership of a former American Secretary of State and Army General, George C. Marshall. Students are asked to select a global leader (past or present), and come to class prepared to present a 10 minute oral summary of the contribution of this person to global and/or regional security and stability. (Discuss accomplishments, traits, skills and insights of leadership.) May 30, 2011:Environment, climate, water, energy, melting of a polar ice-cap, and so forth… Readings:Arnas, Chapter 5, pages 65-82. May 31, 2011:Regional Trends: The class will be divided into groups and assigned a region for discussion. Readings for this class will come from the Arnas book, Chapter’s 10-16 (Middle East; Africa; China; Europe and NATO; Russia and Eurasia; South Asia; Latin America). It is suggested that students scan Friedman, Chapter’s 4, 5, 6. Students will select or be assigned one region to review. June 1, 2011:Deterrence in the Second Nuclear Age: The scope of “Deterrence in the Second Nuclear Age” is more than a look at Russian Federation nuclear capabilities. The “post-Cold War world stage” requires us to look at emerging regional powers (India, Pakistan, Iran, North Korea) and non-government organizations interest in WMD. How does one deter emerging regional powers, rogue states and/or terrorist groups from exercising aggressive leverage to achieve their objectives. There will also be a brief discussion of nuclear weapons. Are nuclear weapons relevant to today’s geo-strategic environment? Do nuclear weapons have a role in military operations today? Are nuclear weapons applicable to war-fighting aims? Readings: Payne, Chapter’s 5, 6. June 2, 2011:Health Care, technology and life sciences… Readings:Arnas, Chapter’s 6, 7, 9. June 3, 2011:Thinking about the future: How does one prepare for uncertain times? What are tomorrow’s threats, risks, instabilities? How will we be influenced by changes in technology? What must be done today to be ready tomorrow? Recommended reading: --Arnas, Chapter 19 and Appendix --Friedman, Chapter’s 11, 12, 13.
Assessment methods (in Czech)
Course Requirements: The principal means of evaluating student performance is through seminar discussion and assessment of written work and an oral presentation. These evaluations are a primary means for ensuring that students have mastered the curriculum and a comprehensive understanding of the topics/issues being presented. Grades will be based on three requirements: --class participation 40%; --oral presentation at class on May 27th of a global leader valued at 20%; --3 page seminar paper that consist of an analysis of a global security issue. This paper will be valued at 40% of the overall grade. By May 25th, each student is required to provide an outline describing the issue to be studied. Papers are due June 1, 2011. REQUIRED READINGS: Students will be asked to read the following three books: --NeylaArnas (ed.), FIGHTING CHANCE: GLOBAL TRENDS & SHOCKS IN THE NATIONAL SECURITY ENVIRONMENT, NDU Press & Potomac Press, 2009. --George Friedman, THE NEXT 100 YEARS—A FORECAST FOR THE 21ST CENTURY; Anchor Books, January 2010. --Keith B. Payne, DETERRENCE IN THE SECOND NUCLEAR AGE, The University Press of Kentucky, 1996.
Language of instruction
English
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
Study Materials
The course can also be completed outside the examination period.
The course is taught only once.
The course is taught: in blocks.
Information on course enrolment limitations: NEREGISTROVAT! Předmět již proběhl jako summer session.
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