Transforming the Art of War: From Clausewitz to Al-Qaida and Beyond

This program will examine the transformation of the practice of war in the modern period, from the rise of modern industrial war to the proliferation of new forms of warfare that include guerilla insurgencies, transnational terrorism and asymmetric war.

In fall quarter, we will primarily focus on the emergence and transformation of modern war at the level of form - the changing nature and strategies of war. We will explore the work of military theorists such as Clausewitz, Mao, Virilio and others who have theorized and contributed to the changing nature of war. We will examine key historical turning points in the nature and strategies of war, including Napoleon's wars in Europe, World War I and World War II, Maoist guerilla war, the French war in Algeria and the American war in Vietnam. We will also examine changes in the form of revolutionary and insurgent violence, from vanguardist violence to people's war to non-violent strategies.

In winter quarter, the program will bring these theoretical and historical insights to bear in order to understand the changing nature of war in the late modern period. We will examine how the rise of unconventional and asymmetric war at the end of the 20^th century has created a new "generation" of warfare, concluding with a focus on the U.S. war in Iraq and the rise of transnational Jihadist terrorist groups like Al-Qaida. In this context, we will focus on the rise of unconventional tactics such as suicide bombings and truck bombings among insurgent groups and also examine contending theories about how best to respond to these unconventional tactics. We will read and critically analyze the new Army/Marines Counterinsurgency Field Manual in the context of the American war in Iraq as well as current debates over the strategies and tactics of counter-terrorism following the 9/11 terror attacks.

Students in this program will gain a thorough knowledge of the modern history of war; develop an understanding of contending theories and strategic approaches to war; understand the diversity and strategies of guerilla and insurgent groups; and develop an ability to engage in critical thinking, analytical writing and informed opinions regarding these topics.

The program will be organized around a series of texts, exercises, films and assignments, including several class presentations, role-plays and analytical papers. We will watch films and documentaries to supplement our learning, including The Battle of Algiers, The Siege, Occupation: Dreamland and others. This program will demand a serious commitment by students to all of the work within the program.