Examine why societies establish defence institutions and how strategic studies explains the relationship between political objectives, security choices and public accountability.

Learning outcomes

  • Distinguish defence from policing and public safety.
  • Explain how political objectives shape strategic choices.
  • Compare state-centred and human-security perspectives.

Main topics

  • Defence and security concepts
  • Strategy and policy
  • National interests
  • Civilian institutions

Practical task

Prepare a concept map comparing the roles of defence, policing and civilian emergency services in a fictional Southern African state.

Assessment

Concept map and a short analytical essay.