Course Description:
This course examines the evolution of Israel’s security doctrine from its ideational and historical origins to its profound crisis and apparent collapse following the events of October 7, 2023. It explores how ideational and material factors rooted in modern Jewish history and Israel’s distinctive strategic environment shaped a security doctrine centered on deterrence, early warning, and rapid battlefield decision.
Combining theoretical perspectives, doctrinal texts, historical case studies, and interactive learning, the course analyzes how ideas, leaders, institutions, technological developments, and systemic pressures have influenced Israeli security doctrine over time. Particular attention is given to key moments of strain and adaptation, as well as to the transformation of the doctrine in the early 21st century, including the erosion of core assumptions and its implications.
By the end of the course, students will have a solid understanding of the ideational, historical, and structural foundations of Israel’s security doctrine, as well as of the political and strategic dilemmas and tensions that underlie it. These themes are explored in part through an interactive, AI-based simulation that places students in the position of decision-makers confronting doctrinal trade-offs under uncertainty.
Course requirements include a multiple-choice exam on selected reading items completed prior to the beginning of the course, and a final exam based on the course lectures and assigned readings at the end of the semester.
- Teacher: Irena Kalhousová
- Teacher: Ofek Riemer
