Assessing America’s National Security Threats

Overview

Examine America and its adversaries in the 21st century, focusing on the evolving national security landscape.

Course Details

In this 12-lecture series designed by former U.S. National Security Advisor H. R. McMaster, you’ll explore the significant dangers and opportunities facing the United States. The course discusses how malicious actors leverage technologies like drones and cyber weapons to challenge national security. Key topics include:

• The historical context of U.S. foreign policy since the Cold War.
• The complexities of modern threats from countries like Russia and China.
• The implications of jihadist terrorism and its evolution.
• The role of international alliances and strategies for addressing global challenges.

Prepare for a nuanced understanding of America’s place in a rapidly changing world.

Video Lessons

1. From Cold War to Hot Wars (32 min)

• Explore the evolution of U.S. foreign relations and key national security threats.

1. Vladimir Putin’s Russian Playbook (28 min)

• Analyze Putin’s strategies and how they challenge Western interests.

1. Misunderstanding China’s Communist Party (28 min)

• Investigate the motivations behind China’s political strategies and their global implications.

1. Afghanistan and Jihadist Terrorism (15 min)

• Examine U.S. policy evolution in Afghanistan and the resurgence of jihadist organizations.

1. Iraq and the Middle East (16 min)

• Trace the impacts of U.S. interventions in Iraq and the resulting regional instability.

1. Iran and Its Terrorist Proxies (26 min)

• Assess Iran’s geopolitical strategies and its use of proxies against U.S. interests.

1. The Unresolved Conflict with North Korea (28 min)

• Understand the history and current status of North Korea’s nuclear ambitions.

1. Climate Change and Energy Security (19 min)

• Explore how climate issues intersect with national security considerations.

1. Dangers in Space and Cyberspace (20 min)

• Investigate the challenges posed by new security domains in space and cyberspace.

1. The New Information Warfare (21 min)

• Discover how technology is used for information warfare by malicious actors.

1. Building Strategic Confidence (21 min)

• Learn about the strategic decision-making processes within U.S. national security.

1. Learning from Dereliction of Duty (30 min)

• Explore lessons from U.S. military history and how they inform contemporary foreign policy.