POLI 4040 Chapter : 4040sobek Fall2016
Document Summary
This class examines the link between war and politics (both domestic and international). While previous classes may have examined these issues separately, this class attempts to place them within the same framework. In general, the main point to derive from the class is that those who hold the key to victory on the battlefield also tend to dominate the domestic politics of states. For example, the crucial battlefield role of cavalry in the middle ages led to their preeminent role in feudal society. Contrast that to classical greece, where the phalanx (infantry) was predominant and democracy flourished (in places). This class traces the development of military technology and history across time to examine how it relates to larger societal and political movements. At the end of the semester we will address issues that arise in the modern era and how events may develop in the future. The western way of war: infantry battle in classical greece.
