U.S. Adversaries and Rivals
The strategy, doctrine, forces, and decision-making of the states and groups that challenge U.S. interests. Courses build the context needed to anticipate adversary behavior rather than react to it.
20th Century Terrorism
Surveys major terrorist movements of the twentieth century, including anarchist, nationalist, and leftist groups. Learners examine how these groups operated and how states responded.
China’s Maritime Militia and Gray-Zone Coercion
Examines China’s maritime militia and coast guard and how they are used in gray-zone operations in the South and East China Seas. Learners assess how gray-zone coercion works and the options for responding to it.
Introduction to Chinese Strategic Culture and Military Thought
Introduces the historical, philosophical, and political foundations of Chinese strategic and military thought. Learners examine how these ideas inform current PRC strategy and doctrine.
Introduction to Russian Intelligence - SVR, GRU, and FSB
Introduces the SVR, GRU, and FSB, including their missions, histories, and major operations. Learners examine how these services support Russian state objectives.
Introduction to the PLA - Structure, Theater Commands, and Joint Doctrine
Covers the organization of the People’s Liberation Army, including its theater commands and joint command structure. Learners examine PLA joint doctrine and the reforms that shaped the current force.
Introduction to the Russian Military - Structure, Command, and Doctrine
Covers the organization, command structure, and doctrine of Russia’s armed forces. Learners examine how the force is structured and how it has been employed.
Jihadist Terrorism
Examines the ideology, organizations, and strategies of jihadist groups such as al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. Learners analyze how these groups recruit, operate, and adapt to counterterrorism pressure.
Military-Civil Fusion and China’s Defense Industrial Base
Examines China’s Military-Civil Fusion strategy and how it links civilian industry and research to defense modernization. Learners assess the implications for technology protection, investment screening, and supply chains.
North Korea’s Nuclear Program
Traces the development of North Korea’s nuclear weapons and missile programs. Learners examine its doctrine, delivery systems, and the challenges it poses for deterrence and nonproliferation.
People’s Liberation Army Navy (China)
Covers the structure, capabilities, and missions of China’s navy. Learners examine its growth, operating patterns, and role in a Taiwan contingency and farther afield.
PRC Intelligence Services
Introduces China’s intelligence organizations, including the Ministry of State Security and military intelligence. Learners examine their methods, targets, and operations against the United States and its partners.
Russian Air Force
Covers the structure, aircraft, and doctrine of Russia’s military aviation within the Aerospace Forces. Learners examine its performance in recent conflicts and its likely future.
Russian Ground Forces After Ukraine
Examines how Russia’s ground forces have fought and adapted during the war in Ukraine. Learners assess changes in tactics, force structure, and reconstitution.
Russian Information Operations and Active Measures
Covers Russian information operations, disinformation, and active measures from the Soviet era to the present. Learners analyze these methods and ways to detect and counter them.
Russian Nuclear Forces and Escalation Doctrine
Covers Russia’s strategic and nonstrategic nuclear forces and its declared nuclear doctrine. Learners examine the debates over how Russia thinks about escalation.
The PLA Aerospace and Cyberspace Forces
Covers the PLA organizations responsible for space and cyber operations following the 2024 reorganization that dissolved the Strategic Support Force. Learners examine their missions and their role in information warfare.
The PLA Air Force
Covers PLA Air Force organization, aircraft, and training. Learners examine its modernization and the implications for air superiority in the Western Pacific.
The PLA Rocket Force
Covers the PLA Rocket Force’s conventional and nuclear missile forces and their missions. Learners examine its role in deterrence and in a regional conflict.
The Russian Navy
Covers the fleets, submarine force, and surface forces of the Russian Navy and their missions. Learners examine its performance in the Black Sea and the strategic role of its submarines.
The Three Warfares - PRC Political Warfare and Influence Operations
Covers the PRC concept of public opinion, psychological, and legal warfare and related influence operations. Learners examine how the PRC uses these tools and how to recognize them.