Defense & Strategic Studies

Defense and Strategic Studies (DSS) is an interdisciplinary major focused on understanding conflict, war, security, and defense. It emphasizes a wide array of methodological approaches from the fields of military science, political science, international relations, economics, history, anthropology, and sociology to frame and analyze national and international security issues.

The DSS program is committed to teaching the next generation of future leaders in the Profession of Arms and as defense intellectuals in the civil sector. DSS majors are uniquely educated in the nuances of security and strategy through a rigorous interdisciplinary lens that delves deep into central issues of strategy, innovation, history, culture, the domains of war, and the elements of national power. Our cadets not only grasp the intricacies of national power and strategic decision-making on national and international scales, but they learn to apply timely knowledge to frame complex issues, develop viable and innovative solutions, and communicate effectively to a variety of audiences.

Recognizing that strategy is pivotal in any competitive environment, from businesses to militaries, this program instills the analytical mindset and methodologies necessary to develop, execute, and assess impactful strategies. By exploring the moral intricacies of conflict, the dynamics of different cultures, and the contemporary innovations shaping defense, our cadets are prepared to lead across the spectrum of global challenges. Graduates emerge as warrior scholars, poised to excel in the Army and beyond, equipped with enhanced problem-solving, communication, and decision-making capabilities for the artful application of security and strategy.

This major offers an honors track.

Vision

DSS gives cadets the skills to succeed anywhere. Graduates can incorporate elements of national power, civil-military relations, strategic decision-making, and theories of international relations to analyze U.S. and foreign defense strategies. Graduates are well-versed in the geographic security areas of interest to the nation, such as Africa, the South China Sea, Eastern Europe, the Arctic, the Middle East, and South America.

• Read an Army Futures Command Strategist’s MWI articles on preparing leaders for future war.
• Read more about Defense and Strategic Studies in the West Point Association of Graduates magazine.
• To learn more about this area of study, visit the Department of Military Instruction.