Economics and Defense

This upper-division elective explores the economic foundations of national defense through the lens of industrial organization and technology-driven growth models. Students will analyze the structure and behavior of defense industries, examining monopoly and monopsony dynamics, procurement incentives, and the role of public-private partnerships in defense innovation. The course will also assess how technological advancements drive military capabilities, influence strategic competition, and shape long-term economic security. Case studies will highlight the interaction between defense policy, industrial policy, and economic constraints, equipping students with the analytical tools to evaluate defense-related economic decisions in a rapidly evolving global landscape.