Course - 2008 - Block Five

Block Five: Security Policy Development and Decision-Making

Aim

Block Five investigates the basis of public policy and national decision-making. Course members analyse the major influences on those processes and the features that distinguish good and bad public policy.  The Block enables course members to synthesise the lessons and factors examined in the Block in their Security Policy Paper.

Description

The introductory phase of Block Five focuses on the development of policy in Australia and the region in a public sector environment. Course members examine the concept of policy, analyse the assumptions and ambiguities that influence policy development, and consider the impact of policy on public administration and operational planning.

Course members analyse the drivers of Australian defence and foreign policy, themes that were initially raised in Block One of the Course. Course members then examine values and attitudes of Australians and domestic stakeholders in security policy development, and the role of political parties, as well as media and interest groups.  One day is set aside for a visit to the Australian Parliament.  A study tour to New Zealand enables course members to consider factors that drive policy development and to study the Australia – New Zealand strategic relationship. In the final week of the Block, course members conduct case study examples of good and bad policy.

Learning Objectives

• Analyse the concept of policy and national decision-making in Australia.
• Understand the similarities and differences in national policy development in selected regional neighbours.
• Analyse the role of domestic politics, including societal values and norms.
• Understand the impact of Australia’s international obligations, both formal and informal, on policy development.
• Evaluate the economic factors that impinge on security policy development, including budgetary considerations and industrial capacity.
• Analyse the impact of pressure groups on policy development including media, non-government organisations (NGOs), industry and think tanks.
• Analyse examples of good and poor security policy development.

Course Member Deliverable

Course members develop and submit a Security Policy Paper.  This is the second major written paper for the course. The Security Policy Paper synthesises all of the learning objectives of Blocks Three, Four and Five. Individuals select the topic for examination, analyse the national security and force structure implications of their subject area, and conclude with recommendations for change or otherwise of extant security policy. The length of the assignment depends on whether the course member is enrolled in the MA program. An MA course member writes an individual 10,000 word Security Policy Paper which is supervised and assessed externally by the MA Program service provider. Non-MA course members write a 5,000 word Security Policy Paper. This can be done either as an individual or as part of a small group (usually two but not more than three course members). Non-MA course members’ Security Policy Papers are internally supervised and assessed. All Security Policy Papers are due on 14 November 2008.