Much of contemporary foreign policy focuses on frivolous details of international relations without a view to long-term strategy, the art of statesmanship, or philosophic principles. As such, this leaves America’s foreign policy distracted, needlessly at odds with other nations, at odds with our own interests, and without a strong sense of direction. Most importantly, it gives our leadership class impetus to be irresponsible in its pursuits.
These problems, however, are not new, and thousands of years of history and philosophy have considered these questions. What are the rights and duties between nations? What interests, goals, and ideals should order a nation’s foreign policy? What leadership is required in diplomacy? How should a statesman integrate domestic and international policies and priorities? How does justice interact with questions of war and peace? Why do nations fail or succeed on the world stage? What temptations do leaders and nations need to be wary of in dealing with other nations?
ISI’s week-long summer school will introduce students to the tradition of the art of “grand strategy.” Students will read from the seminal texts of the tradition of grand strategy and diplomacy. Drawing from Thucydides, Machiavelli, Carl von Clausewitz, George Washington, and John Quincy Adams, you will engage with important questions and timeless principles that will help America thrive in steering the ship of state. Our summer school is cost-free and all meals and lodging are covered for the week. Accepted students are responsible for travel costs to ISI’s headquarters in Wilmington, DE. Applications are due by April 26 and spots are limited, so apply today and begin your journey through the exciting world of foreign relations!