Methods for Defense Analysis

Defense policy involves some of the highest stakes in government, often concerning life-or-death decisions. It is also a major employer, with U.S. government agencies, think tanks, and contractors relying on formal analysis to guide decisions ranging from equipment purchases to national military strategy. A large, trained workforce produces these studies, while others must critically assess their findings. Although most robust in the U.S., similar analytic work exists globally.

This intellectually demanding field requires strong methods and integrity. Poorly designed studies can distort decision-making, while sound analysis improves it. This course prepares students to work effectively as entry-level defense analysts or as informed consumers of analysis. Emphasis is placed on research design, which is often the key determinant of a study’s success. Through methodological training and critique of exemplar analyses, students will build the skills and intellectual foundations to advance quickly in the field and help shape its future. This is not a course in defense policy topics, but in the design and evaluation of defense analysis.