Topics in American Statesmanship: The Art of Statesmanship and the Political Life

This course examines the art of statesmanship, the meaning of political greatness, and the proper means of educating aspiring young statesmen and stateswomen. The ambition, moral character, cunning, prudence, and grit required for effective statesmanship are analyzed using books written by past statesmen for future statesmen. The course also explores whether the life of grand politics is a desirable way of life. Differences between classical and modern statesmanship are considered, in addition to the unique political demands that different regimes (democracy, aristocracy, monarchy, tyranny) place on founders and leaders of nations.