'Strategy' has many modern definitions and uses, from national defence and foreign policy to the business world, but its ancient Greek origins (strategia) allude to the art of the military leader, or general, in war. This course echoes this ancient and enduring conception to analyse the use of military force as an instrument of strategy. Its aim is to impart an understanding of the fundamentals of the employment of armed force to contribute to the consideration of the practicalities of formulating and enacting strategy. The course will examine the pitfalls and risks of military endeavour, the possible benefits, and what military forces can and cannot do.
The course begins by exploring the classic operational domains: land, sea and air and the characteristics and capabilities of land, sea and air power. Having laid these foundations, it will progress to consider how activities in each domain have been unified into combined, joint, or even integrated, approaches to warfighting. Alert to the conflict and strategic instability of the contemporary world, and the rapid innovations in military technology accompanying it, the course will also critically examine emerging ideas and approaches to warfighting. This will include consideration of new warfighting domains such as cyber, space and information. A number of common themes will underpin the course: the character versus the nature of war; the interplay between technological innovation and warfighting theories and doctrines; the relationship between strategy, operations and tactics; the effect of the natural and manmade environment in shaping military operations; the act of command and the systems enabling it; and the congruity, or incongruity, between military and political objectives.
Of interest to those seeking better understanding of force as an implement of national policy or the longitudinal development of military theory and practice, the course is particularly appropriate for students considering government service or other positions involving national and international security matters.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Identify the theoretical distinctions between the nature and character of war, and articulate the characteristics of land, sea and air power, with reference to selected military theories.
- Articulate the relationship between strategy, operations and tactics.
- Analyse the conduct of military operations and identify the role which military theory and doctrine, command systems and practice, logistics, technology, geography, the political-military interface, and inter-service and coalition relationships play in determining their outcome.
- Critically reflect on emerging trends and theories relating to future warfare, including the proliferation of warfighting 'domains'.
- Conduct historical research and evaluate historical evidence.
- Communicate clearly and persuasively about defence and security matters in a variety of modes.
Indicative Assessment
- Contribution to Peer Learning (10) [LO 1,2,3,4,6]
- Research Essay (3,000 words) (30) [LO 1,2,3,5,6]
- Group Presentation - oral presentation with two page executive summary (1,000 words) (30) [LO 4,5,6]
- Written Examination (30) [LO 1,2,3,4]
The ANU uses 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. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
This course comprises some 130 hours of activity over 12 weeks, both interactive/seminar based and independent research. The course comprises a maximum of 6000 words of assessment or the equivalent. Please note this is a general guide, averaged over the semester and the final hours ultimately depend on the individual's ability in reading and writing.
Prescribed Texts
Core reading materials will be available online.
Assumed Knowledge
Undergraduate degree in security studies or a related field.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7458 | 27 Jul 2026 | 03 Aug 2026 | 31 Aug 2026 | 30 Oct 2026 | In Person | N/A |