APU NSEC612 All Weeks Forums Latest 2019 November

NSEC612 National Security and Diplomacy

Week 1 Forum

Theory of Diplomacy

Discussion Questions: Most political scientists, historians, policy advisors and other professionals in politics (or geopolitics) and foreign relations see the U.S. national security policy and diplomacy following in a liberal or realist tradition. Define liberalism and discuss the historical background of the theoretical viewpoint. Also, examine the latest National Security Strategy (President Trump’s 2017 NSS), assess the realist and liberal principles reflected in the document. Then compare it the current NSS to the 2015 NSS (signed by President Obama), what principles differ?

 

NSEC612 National Security and Diplomacy

Week 2 Forum

Practice of Diplomacy

Discussion Questions: What does “diplomatic” mean for the United States and how does the nation use this concept to implement the NSS? Also, discuss the National Defense and National Military strategies and how these documents correlate to the NSS? Do these documents have any effect on the nation’s diplomacy? If so, how? If not, why not? Finally, how does the Quadrennial Defense Review play a role?

Instructions: Fully utilize the materials that have been provided to you in order to support your response. Your initial post should be at least 500 words. Please respond to at least two other students. Responses should be a minimum of 250 words and include direct questions. You may challenge, support or supplement another student’s answer using the terms, concepts and theories from the required readings. Also, do not be afraid to respectfully disagree where you feel appropriate; as this should be part of your analysis process at this academic level.

 

NSEC612 National Security and Diplomacy

Week 3 Forum

Alliances and Partnerships

Discussion Questions: In his Farewell Address, George Washington warned against entangling alliances. However, the United States acknowledges the importance of specific strategic partnerships and alliances. Assess the rationale for Washington’s warning and the merit of U.S. relationships with its major allies within the European Union, the United Nations, and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). NOTE: Give a brief background of the European Union, NATO, and the United Nations, along with how each entity is correlated to another before answering the latter question.

 

 

 

 

 

NSEC612 National Security and Diplomacy

Week 4 Forum

Cultural Aspects of Diplomacy

Discussion Questions: Examine and give a brief background on the negotiations with Russia to reverse its occupation of the Crimea. What was the United States’ level of involvement? How did this affect American diplomacy? Global diplomacy? Define your negotiation style and give examples of negotiation strategies.

 

NSEC612 National Security and Diplomacy

Week 5 Forum

Department of State and Foreign Aid

Discussion Questions: What are the challenges of balancing protection of U.S. diplomatic missions with the needs of U.S. public diplomacy? Also, discuss the Department of State’s initiative on foreign aid and how it influences international relationships.

 

NSEC612 National Security and Diplomacy

Week 6 Forum

Role of the Military

Discussion Questions: Define the meaning of soft power and how it influences military operations. How can the military use “soft power” to advance U.S. national security interests?

 

NSEC612 National Security and Diplomacy

Week 7 Forum

Civil Society and International Organizations

Discussion Questions: When it comes to conducting major military actions abroad, the United States has sought and obtained (although sometimes ex post facto, e.g. Kosovo) United Nations approval. Why? Have there been conflicts where the UN did not approve? What are the consequences of military conflict without UN approval? Give examples to support your conclusions.

 

NSEC612 National Security and Diplomacy

Week 8 Forum

Future Challenges

Discussion Questions: What are the challenges of negotiating with a “culture” instead of with a nation-state or other single entity? How can those challenges be overcome? Does culture have to be considered when negotiating? Why or why not?