Spring 2012 Final Exam

Defense Statecraft Final Exam

April 30, 2012

Please answer one of three questions, and return to Dr. Farley by 12:15pm today.

1. Critics argue that the F-35 JSF program continues to spiral out of control. Does the United States need the F-35, or should production be severely curtailed? What lessons should the United States draw from this project in order to avoid similar problems in the future? 
2. An internationally brokered cease fire appears to be failing in Syria.  Sketch out the prospects for US military involvement in the conflict. What are the costs and benefits of intervention, and how might such intervention play out?
3. The failure of the “supercommittee” to agree on a set of budget cuts triggers major cuts to the US defense budget.  Assuming that the mandated cuts ($500 billion over ten years) actually occur, discuss the likely impact within the US defense community, as well as in the international system.