This course will be an examination of the historic application of the traditional elements of national power: diplomatic, economic and military, in the pursuit of national goals in crises. We will begin with general and theoretical discussions to form a systematic framework for case studies. Then, we will progress through nine case studies, varying from the Peloponnesian Wars to the present day, to apply this framework. Discussion, vice lecture or formal presentation, will be the normal mode of the class. Our emphases will be on research, critical reading, analytical thinking, and their communication through seminar discussion, oral presentation, and discursive writing.