“Policy and Strategy” Class Explores Big Global Questions

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“Policy and Strategy” Class Explores Big Global Questions
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“Policy and Strategy” Class Explores Big Global Questions
Sitting in on Ash Shah’s “Case Studies in International Policy and Strategy” class is akin to having a front seat for the critical questions of modern geopolitical history. Taught in two sections over three terms, with each section built around two related problem sets, the course explores the causes, impacts, and potential solutions to issues rooted in history, economics, and political power. With Shah as their guide, students ultimately have an opportunity to share new insights on U.S. policy with a few of the individuals working to shape it.
 
The problem sets for this year’s course focused on the drivers and impacts of regional conflict in one section, with in-depth studies of migration in Africa and sea trade in Southeast Asia, and “Space Command” and “Future of the Fleet” in the other, exploring the global balance of power through control of space and the seas. Each section has a sponsor affiliated with the U.S. Navy – the U.S. Africa Command and the Center for Naval Analyses, respectively – and a sponsor from the National Security Policy Center at the University of Virginia (UVA).
 
Why the interest in high school students? According to Shah, “They recognize that the future of what they do relies on having an informed population. They see a program like this as an investment.” He developed the course with a friend at UVA, but he is quick to emphasize that Lawrenceville’s course has no formal affiliation with the university.
 
In a recent visit to one of the sections, students were responding to the following challenges:
  • How should the U.S. understand current refugee migration as a driver of instability and potential conflict on the African continent?
  • How can the U.S. ensure maritime security and protect commercial shipping in the South China Sea without destabilizing the region and provoking conflict with China?

The students were divided into two groups according to problem set, and within the groups each student was responsible for presenting the results of their individual research. Students in the Africa cohort addressed the political history of the Congo, the role of mining interests in the region, the influence of war and economics on population displacement, and the impacts of climate and U.S. policy. Students exploring southeast Asia each took a country and provided an in-depth picture of the part it plays in the geography and politics of the region, its relationship with and potential for conflict with China, and its ties to the U.S., as well as outlining the importance of the South China Sea in international trade.

The three-term course begins with an introduction to theory in the fall and continues with a deep dive into case studies in the winter, before tackling the challenge sets in spring. Ultimately, students will present their findings and recommendations to their sponsors, with a chance to influence future U.S. policy.

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