This course examines the challenges that strategic defence planners are facing in the new security environment and illuminates the key judgements they must make in developing an effective policy response. It analyses the changing dimensions of security, the shape of future conflict, and the policy tools for managing these developments. Strategies for responding to these changes are considered together with their implications for capability development and operational planning. Emphasis is given to the challenges facing middle and smaller powers and to an understanding of how all the different elements might contribute to preparing a major strategic policy review.