Assessing America's National Security Threats

Series: Assessing America's National Security Threats

(3)

Episodes

Rating

Year

2023

Language

English

Publisher

The Great Courses

About

Designed and delivered by former US National Security Advisor H. R. McMaster, this course uses history, contemporary affairs, and firsthand experience to help you grasp national security threats. Along the way, you'll assess the logic behind foreign policy approaches to arms control, humanitarian disasters, cyber warfare, and more.

Related Subjects

Episodes

1. From Cold War to Hot Wars

32m

Begin with an exploration of US foreign relations since the Cold War. Discover the meaning and consequences of strategic narcissism and take stock of the threats facing the United States in the 21st century, from aggressive adversaries to jihadist terrorism to climate security.

2. Vladimir Putin's Russian Playbook

28m

After the dissolution of the USSR, Russia continued to pose a threat to the West. Explore how dictator Vladimir Putin consolidated power; comb through the Russian playbook of economic dependence, disruptive technologies, and disinformation; and see how powers like the United States can respond to it.

3. Misunderstanding China's Communist Party

28m

China has emerged as one of the most powerful adversaries of the United States. Here, investigate what drives the Chinese Communist Party to perfect its technologically enabled police state, and explore how the United States and allies can strengthen free societies against Communist Party coercion.

4. Afghanistan and Jihadist Terrorism

15m

Closely examine the evolution of US policy in Afghanistan. Investigate the costs and consequences of American foreign policy that pursues strong ties with Pakistan. And survey a range of transnational terrorist organizations operating in South Asia, considering how the threat jihadist terrorists pose today is greater than ever.

5. Iraq and the Middle East

16m

Trace how the end of Saddam Hussein's rule, the rise of Al Qaeda in Iraq, and Iranian-backed militias unleashed sectarian civil wars and cascading crises across the Middle East. And explore how the United States could and should engage in the Middle East to help break the cycle of violence.

6. Iran and Its Terrorist Proxies

26m

Turning east toward Iran, assess Iran's four decades of proxy war against the United States and its policy responses from the 1979 revolution to the collapse of the 2015 nuclear deal. Explore the motivations that drive Iranian aggression, not only toward the United Sates, but also toward Israel, Britain, Saudi Arabia, and others.

7. The Unresolved Conflict with North Korea

28m

Why is the Kim family regime in North Korea so intent on developing nuclear weapons? Examine the history of North Korea from Japanese occupation to the present day and evaluate the success of various US strategies aimed at preventing nuclear proliferation.

8. Climate Change and Energy Security

19m

Climate change, a clear and present reality, also poses a range of security risks. Zoom outward to see how climate change is a global problem that needs multinational solutions. Consider how countries and industries can collaborate to tackle the interrelated challenges of climate, food, energy, and water security.

9. Dangers in Space and Cyberspace

20m

Space represents a new security domain, and the US defense apparatus must be prepared as adversaries learn how to navigate and exploit space. Investigate how space became a critical security domain and how the United States can compete within it.

10. The New Information Warfare

21m

Emerging technologies have the potential to do good, or to empower adversaries. Understand how bad actors use technologies like ransomware, social media, AI, and cryptocurrency to undermine security, and evaluate how the United States—and private industry—can use emerging technologies to build a prosperous future.

Extended Details

SeriesAssessing America's National Security Threats

Closed CaptionsEnglish

Artists

The Great CoursesDirector

The Great CoursesProducer

H. R. McMasterActor