The Role of Force in International Politics (DHP-P240)

Fall 2026 · DHP P240 · Tufts University · 3 credits · Undergraduate

This core International Security Studies course presents an examination of the role of force as an instrument of statecraft. Topics covered include: 1) military power and the role of force in contemporary world politics; 2) the causes of war and the moral/ethical constraints on armed violence; 3) instruments and purposes of coercion force: military power and strategic non-violent action; 4) national security policy formation and process; 5) the modes and strategies of military power (nuclear, conventional, internal conflict); 6) the structure of the post-Cold War and post-9/11 international security environment.

Course codes: DHP-P240

Course Discovery