On War: Thucydides and Current Strategic Dilemmas

Workshop offered November 16-19, 2023

Description

 Thucydides is thought to be the first and greatest teacher of power, of the facts that might makes right, and that wars begin as a consequence of fear. Thinkers from Thomas Hobbes to proponents of modern "realist" schools of international relations invoke his name. But what are his teachings, exactly? And what can he tell us about modern warfare? In this workshop, certificate candidates will study Thucydides' great history of the Peloponnesian War with a series of foundational questions in mind: What is the nature of power, and of war? How do wars start? What role do domestic politics and "ideology" play in foreign policy? In our discussions and final simulation, we will explore whether his actual teachings are applicable to current grand strategic dilemmas--and if so, how.

Preview of Seminars

• Naval Powers vs. Land Powers
• Elements of Statesmanship
• Governmental Regime and Foreign Policy

The Hudson Institute Political Studies Policy Certificate Program gathers talented early career professionals for advanced study of American foreign and domestic policy, and national security led by policy experts and experienced government officials.

Successful policy solutions combine strategic vision with nuanced understanding of complex problems. To this end, each of Hudson's policy certification workshops covers a distinct region or topic ranging from military strategy and technology to energy security and criminal justice reform. Through rigorous engagement with the theory and practice of strategic policy planning, the program instills certificate candidates with practical knowledge of today's most critical policy areas. Workshops are led by experts at Hudson Institute. The program is fully funded and takes place in Washington, D.C., Thursday-Saturday during select weeks.

Please note that there is a separate application and admissions process for each workshop.

Program Overview:

Seminar Modules Through a series of intensive, expert-led seminar modules, participants learn the intellectual tradition, historical background, and political terrain of the policy area. By participating in policy analysis and critical discussion, candidates will gain new access to the topic at hand

Simulation Candidates will test their strategic acumen by simulating the development of a National Security Strategy. Drawing on their own professional experiences and what they have gained from Thucydides' writings, candidates will wrestle with the imperative of translating theoretical insights about international relations to practical goals and strategies.

Keynote Dinner At the Keynote Dinner, a distinguished speaker gives an off-the-record talk illustrating his or her approach to effective policy planning.

Capstone Project Candidates will showcase their newly gained policy insight by completing their choice of an op-ed or policy memo. Projects are due two weeks after the end of the program and will be assessed by committee upon the basis of their strategic soundness, original analysis, and grasp of the policy area. The quality of this project will determine if candidates are awarded the certification.

Eligibility and Applying 

Applicants should meet the following criteria:

• Undergraduate degree holder
• Demonstrated expertise in one or more relevant areas
• Highly competent writer and researcher

Applications require a personal statement, writing sample, and resume.

Apply by October 20 for priority admission
Final applications are due by November 3

APPLY HERE