About NSS | Teaching Methodology

The National Security Studies teaching methodology blends theory and practice in a fresh and innovative curriculum with substantive content that meets the highest standards.

Lectures

National Security Studies participants have many opportunities to hear the views of, and interact with, Maxwell faculty members and distinguished guest speakers, all of whom have extensive experience in government, private industry, journalism, or other professions related to national security.

Case Studies and Small Group Decision-Making

Given the complexities of the problems and processes that exist in the world of national security, both inside the government and beyond its formal boundaries, the ability to lead small, multidisciplinary strategy and decision-making teams is critical. Small group case-study discussions and assignments create opportunities to consider and practice sophisticated analytical, management, and leadership skills.

Simulations

Simulations are designed to challenge National Security Studies course participants to think beyond the convention of their current work environment, forcing them to examine the decision-making process in deliberate planning and crisis management. Many simulations are designed to integrate all of the various analytical and managerial techniques discussed in the course and focus on the interorganizational and institutional dynamics that shape strategic plans and long-range resource considerations.

Other simulations examine complexities of national-security decision-making in crisis situations. Participants are required to assess a rapidly evolving situation that threatens U.S. national interests, challenges the validity of current U.S. foreign policy, stimulates a response—diplomatic or military—and demonstrates the interplay of political, institutional, organizational, and interpersonal dynamics that influence policy and strategy.

Staff Ride

A method developed in the last century for training officers in the art of command—and a signature feature of National Security Studies curriculum—is the staff ride. The essence of a successful staff ride lies in seeing the battle unfold from a political, military, and public policy perspective. Participants relive key events of the Revolutionary War or Civil War through the lives of not only military leaders (as in the staff rides of old) but also political leaders and private citizens.

Staff rides expose participants to the human experience of warfare, the nature of leadership and accountability, the relationship between campaigns and strategy, and the impact of technology on warfare.