IDSS 25th Anniversary Lecture Series

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies (IDSS), later inaugurated as the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS). To commemorate the 25th anniversary, RSIS will feature a lecture series featuring the leading strategists in the world, the first being one by Professor Eliot Cohen on 6 May.

Abstract

Strategic Studies has always been understood as a multi-disciplinary subject. Traditionally, it has been most closely associated with Political Science and History, and in particular, Military History. However, other subjects and disciplines also contribute towards the study of strategy. Literature may not be, intuitively, a subject that can contribute towards the study of strategy; except that Literature can provide useful insights into the use of power as well.

“Rough magic” is how Shakespeare described the exercise of power, and that is a good description of it.  Professor Cohen will discuss how Shakespeare’s insights into the exercise of power – to include the use of force – are as valid now as they ever have been.

About the Speaker

Eliot Cohen is Dean and Robert E. Osgood Professor of the Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) where he has taught since 1990. He received his BA and PhD degrees from Harvard University and after teaching there and at the Naval War College founded the Strategic Studies program at SAIS. His books include The Big Stick (2017), Conquered into Liberty (2011), and Supreme Command (2002). In addition to public service in the Department of Defense he served as Counselor of the Department of State in 2007-2009. He writes frequently for major newspapers and is a contributing writer at The Atlantic.