IREb2006 National Security and Grand Strategy: Israeli and American Perspectives

Faculty of Social Studies
Spring 2025
Extent and Intensity
1/1/0. 4 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
Aaron Walter, MBA, Ph.D. (lecturer), Mgr. Martin Chovančík, Ph.D. (deputy)
Guaranteed by
Mgr. Martin Chovančík, Ph.D.
Department of International Relations and European Studies – Faculty of Social Studies
Contact Person: Olga Cídlová, DiS.
Supplier department: Department of International Relations and European Studies – Faculty of Social Studies
Prerequisites
! IRE206 Grand strategy - Israel USA && !NOW( IRE206 Grand strategy - Israel USA ) && ! MVZb2009 Grand strategy - Israel USA && !NOW( MVZb2009 Grand strategy - Israel USA )
This undergraduate level course examines Israel's geographic location in the Middle East its Western orientation the inherent tension between the two; while highlighting Israel's concept of national security. This course examines the traditional and non-traditional approaches to foreign policy within the paradigm of International Relations, as well as the policy instruments available to Israel as it dealt with global changes such as the Cold War, the end of the Cold War, economic globalization, terrorism, and local insurgencies to name a few. Each of these topics and other major international events changed Israel's position and status. The course also examines the multidimensional nature of political, economic, and cultural relations between Israel and the United States since 1948 in creating Grand Strategy. In particular, this the multidimensional nature suggests that the definition of strategic interests and assessment about how best to pursue them are, in practiced, shaped by cultural and ideological constructions, and domestic political factors.
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.

The capacity limit for the course is 45 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 0/45, only registered: 0/45
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
there are 9 fields of study the course is directly associated with, display
Course objectives
The course objectives for the student is an understanding of major themes, historical events, and personalities in Israeli government and military in the context of national security and grand strategy development under the paradigm of International Relations. Throughout the term, we will discuss the nature of Israel’s “relationship” with the U.S.; Europe; and its Arab neighbors as it has defended its national security and sought to project a grand strategy. The student become familiar with the key players and issues, as well as with the complexities of Israeli diplomatic and military efforts in the Middle East. The course is intended to provide students with the tools needed to follow with a critical eye day‐to‐day events in the Middle East The structure of the course is simple and concise. An initial overview of a topic will be followed by interesting case studies, focused on key episodes in the evolution of Israeli foreign policy. After these case studies, discussion on some controversial contemporary aspects of the subject will occur.
Learning outcomes
1. Analyze selected contemporary policy issues using knowledge of theory, history and the political process. 2. Demonstrate research, analytical, writing, and oral communication skills. By the end of the term, you should be: 1. Thoroughly familiar with the types of theory and foreign policy practice of Israel since 1948. 2. Thoroughly familiar with the key issues and themes of Israel foreign policy and in particular foreign policy towards America. 3. Able to identify seminal events, their implications, and the personalities associated with them. 4. Able to critically assess the nature of Israel’s “relationship” with the United States.
Syllabus
  • Please see interactive syllabus.
Literature
  • Daniel Gordis. We Stand Divided : The Rift between American Jews and Israel. First. ECCO an imprint of HarperCollins; 2019.
  • Tore Petersen. Israel in a Turbulent Region : Security and Foreign Policy. Routledge; 2019.
Teaching methods
The following course requires: (1) assigned readings; (2) class attendance and appropriate contributions to section discussions; (3) two short-essay analysis papers; and (5) a final examination or research paper determined in advance by instructor.
Assessment methods
Two short-essay analysis papers; and (5) a final examination or research paper determined in advance by instructor.
Language of instruction
English
Further Comments
The course can also be completed outside the examination period.
The course is taught annually.
The course is taught: every week.
The course is also listed under the following terms Spring 2021, Spring 2022, Spring 2023, Spring 2024.
  • Enrolment Statistics (Spring 2025, recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/fss/spring2025/IREb2006