Armstrong cites paired Proceedings articles that recommend opposite theorists for confronting China yet arrive at much the same strategic advice. Clarke describes assigning strong students to defend Mahan and Corbett while pairing them with quieter classmates who can build confidence through the preparation. The exercise requires enough research time and freedom for a vigorous argument to develop. As each team works through its case, different language and starting points give way to recognition that the strategic conclusions often agree. A simplified opposition can prompt close reading when the seminar eventually works through the comparison.
Notable Point · 50:18-52:15
Structured disagreement reveals where Mahan and Corbett agree
A deliberately adversarial seminar can lead students beyond the easy Mahan-versus-Corbett binary when it ends in close comparison of their arguments.