Episode 73: National Security, Fiction, And Wicked Problems

A wicked problem is a problem that is difficult or impossible to solve because of incomplete, contradictory, and changing requirements that are often difficult to recognize. In the national security space many of the problems we face are wicked problems. Such problems require creative and unconventional thinkers. Dr. Tammy Schultz believes that fiction provides the tools needed to engage with wicked problems. In this episode, we talk about teaching creativity, professional military education, and how doing something different than usual can hold the key to literally changing the way your brain works.

About the Guest

Dr. Schultz is a Professor of Strategic Studies at the U.S. Marine Corps War College and an adjunct professor at Georgetown University’s security studies program. She won the Dr. Elihu Rose Award for Teaching Excellence at Marine Corps University. She also was Georgetown University’s Security Studies Program nomination for outstanding faculty mentor in 2019. Dr. Schultz conducts communication plenaries and simulations at the State Department for Foreign Service Officers. Previously, she was a Fellow at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS). Prior to joining CNAS, she served as a Research Fellow and Director of Research and Policy at the U.S. Army’s Peacekeeping and Stability Operations Institute. Dr. Schultz was a Brookings Institution Research Fellow.

Views expressed are personal and do not represent the views of GSSR or any other entity.