National security and economics are often treated as separate realms, both in policymaking and scholarship. But the early 21st century is marked by a convergence of security and economic factors in the national security challenges facing governments. This course introduces students to the intersection of economics and security, captured in the concept of ‘geoeconomics’. It focuses on the uses – and limitations – of economic relations as an instrument of state power. Students are introduced to the longstanding connection between economics and national security; basic principles of economic theory; the mechanisms/instruments of geoeconomic statecraft (such as trade, finance and institutions); contemporary geoeconomic challenges, such as economic coercion, critical infrastructure and critical technologies; and the policy challenges involved in developing national responses that integrate security and economic considerations. The course will take a global perspective, but with case studies focused on China, the Indo-Pacific and Australia.

 

This course combines academic expertise with insights from policy practitioners. The course convener will draw upon a research background in relevant non-security disciplines (such as economics or law) to guide students towards a more integrated understanding of security and economic issues. In this, the convener will be supported by a co-teacher with national security expertise and a policy practitioner with recent experience in developing geoeconomic policy. In line with the NSC’s signature pedagogy, the policy practitioner will serve as a regular discussant to contextualise academic analysis within policy experience, co-moderate an in-class policy exercise, and advise on a policy-oriented assessment item.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Use concepts and frameworks to critically analyse complex and contemporary issues in geoeconomics
2. Demonstrate a working understanding of policy challenges and options in integrating economics and national security
3. Conduct research that demonstrates scholarly engagement with the subject matter
4. Develop and communicate ideas, analysis, and argument related to geoeconomics in a range of forms for professional and scholarly audiences

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	What is geoeconomics? Economics, security and power: a conceptual framework
2	Positive-sum world: Economics, absolute gains and maximising welfare
3	Positive sum meets zero sum: Relative gains and national (in)security
4	Mercantilists, classical liberals and interdependence: a history of geoeconomics
5	Geoeconomics as statecraft: Trade in goods and services
6	Geoeconomics as grand strategy: Money and finance
7	Geoeconomics as hegemony: Institutions and the rules-based order
8	States, markets and national security: Public versus private in geoeconomic praxis
9	Geoeconomics and major power rivalry: The US, China and strategic competition
10	Geoeconomics and domestic policy: The 5G debate in Australia
11	The policy challenge: integrating economics and security (scenario exercise and preparation for final assessment)
12	The future of geoeconomics: COVID-19 and after

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Blog post or op-ed piece (800 words)	20 %	25/03/2021	12/04/2021	1, 4
Analytical research essay (2,500 words)	40 %	14/05/2021	31/05/2021	1, 2, 3, 4
Policy memos reflecting on scenario (2 x 800 words)	40 %	04/06/2021	21/06/2021	2, 4

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Integrity . In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Assessment Task 1

Blog post or op-ed piece (800 words)

This initial assessment item gives the students an early opportunity to gain confidence in engaging with the subject matter and obliges them to communicate clearly and concisely. It also requires them to form a habit of monitoring current events in geoeconomics and to comprehend and explain those events in light of the concept and frameworks introduced at the start of the course. It will be assessed according to clarity of expression, awareness of audience, and demonstrated ability to connect concepts and frameworks with current examples through critical analysis. 

Assessment Task 2

Analytical research essay (2,500 words)

This is an opportunity for substantial research, connecting geoeconomic concepts and frameworks with a detailed case study. It is the main opportunity in the course to demonstrate research and writing skills in the form of a social science essay. It will be assessed according to logic and structure of argument, quality of expression, analytical application of concepts and frameworks, evidence of research, discriminating use of sources, and adherence to academic standards. 

Assessment Task 3

Policy memos reflecting on scenario (2 x 800 words)

This item allows the students to demonstrate their ability to apply the skills and knowledge acquired through the course to a practical policy situation within a relatively short time, simulating the kind of challenge facing policymakers. It will involve a geoeconomic scenario – such as a controversial foreign investment application. Students will be provided with a certain amount of hypothetical information and tasked to prepare two briefing documents for political decision-makers, outlining and justifying recommendations for two contrasting policy options. Students will have opportunity throughout the course to familiarise themselves with similar documents and to engage with a policy practitioner to refine their understanding of what is expected from this assessment item. The policy practitioner will also provide advice to students and academic staff in framing and assessing this item, including providing feedback to students on policy writing.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically, committing to honest and responsible scholarly practice and upholding these values with respect and fairness.

The ANU commits to assisting all members of our community to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle and Academic Misconduct Rule, uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with.

The Academic Misconduct Rule is in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Very minor breaches of the academic integrity principle may result in a reduction of marks of up to 10% of the total marks available for the assessment. The ANU offers a number of online and in person services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. Visit the Academic Skills website for more information about academic integrity, your responsibilities and for assistance with your assignments, writing skills and study.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students