Many claim to be be 'strategists' or 'strategic thinkers', but what does this actually mean? What is strategy? How is it formulated? How may it be applied? And to what ends? This course will address such questions by critically analysing some of the key frameworks and concepts — historical and contemporary -- used to understand strategy as a tool to protect and advance national interests. To broaden understanding about contemporary challenges to strategy and defence, the course also introduces students to selected cognate concepts for understanding strategy, such as deterrence, coercion, the nuclear factor, defence diplomacy, etc. To deepen understanding about strategy-making and defence policy, the course introduces significant cases beyond those from Europe and the United States.
This course also explores the challenge of turning strategic theories and concepts into action. How are the formulation, articulation and implementation of strategy affected by cultural, organisational, institutional or other factors? Who gets to make strategy, and how can we analyse the limits and challenges posed by resources, organisational capacity, and contestation among the different sectors and interest groups involved in the strategic process?
To stimulate further consideration of long-standing challenges in defence and strategy, the course also addresses selected timely questions and debates, which may include the impacts of AI, economic restructuring, radicalism, ethical conduct, planetary security, etc.
As the keystone of the Master of Strategy and Defence Program, the course will equip students with a range of practical academic skills to set them up for success in their studies in strategy, defence, security and related fields.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the key historical thinkers and schools of thought that have shaped the formulation and understanding of strategy.
- Explain fundamental theoretical concepts and frameworks in the fields of strategy and defence.
- Identify factors shaping the formulation, articulation and implementation of strategy and evaluate their effects.
- Estimate the effect of global trends on the practice of strategy.
- Apply strategic and defence theories to historical and contemporary cases.
- Communicate clearly and persuasively about strategic and defence matters in a variety of modes.
Indicative Assessment
- Class Participation (10) [LO 1,2,3,4,5,6]
- Quiz (10) [LO 1,2]
- Short Essay - 2000 words (30) [LO 3,4,5,6]
- Exam (50) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
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 10 weeks, both interactive/seminar based and independent research. The course comprises a maximum of 6k 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
N/A
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 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
Year | Fee |
---|---|
2026 | $4920 |
- International fee paying students
Year | Fee |
---|---|
2026 | $7020 |
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.
First Semester
Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2178 | 23 Feb 2026 | 02 Mar 2026 | 31 Mar 2026 | 29 May 2026 | In Person | N/A |
3904 | 23 Feb 2026 | 02 Mar 2026 | 31 Mar 2026 | 29 May 2026 | Online | N/A |