National security issues are a hot topic these days. This course is a basic introduction to the theory and practice of national security policy by the United States in the 21st century setting, drawing upon real-world situations that are widely discussed in the national media. The course will be comprised of the following topics: 1. Principles of national security including neo-conservative, humanitarian interventionist, neo-isolationist, and some historical American national security policies. 2. The role of the military in U.S. national security policy including NATO and Constitutional provisions of how the United States government “goes to war.” 3. The role of diplomacy in national security policy versus the use of military power. 4. The role of economic policy in shaping U.S. national security policy. This course will specifically focus on national security issues related to China and Russia.