In recent years, military matters have reconquered a pre-eminent space at the top of world leader's agenda. They are reshaping not only the relationship between the Western bloc and other major powers (Russia, China, India, etc.), but are also influencing the relationship within the western bloc itself (role of NATO, Revamped EU defense policy, etc.). Understanding the variety, and complexity, of today's military challenges is a must-have for any graduate in security studies. However, by definition (access challenges, loss of track of war phenomenons, security issues, confidentiality, etc.) what is happening on the frontline is often out of sight for students. We aim at changing this by helping PSIA students in international security access testimonies from senior officers returning from the frontlines, be it in the Sahel, the Levant or the Cyberspace.
This course, designed, and animated by a seasoned consultant in international affairs and a senior active French officer, will also host a series of French colonels who recently returned from these frontlines. It will aim at discussing openly all the key dimensions of military action in the world of today and tomorrow, by leveraging their recent (or current) experiences. In the “Chatham House” setting offered by the classroom, those officers will have the opportunity to help students decrypt the realities of military engagement in today's world, in all its form: counter-terrorism, nuclear deterrence, etc.
Learning Outcomes
1. Enhanced awareness and understanding of military matters from a French perspective
2. Increased capacity to assess the “defence” perspective on major geopolitical/social challenges
3. Capacity to display nuanced and data-backed positions on debates involving military actors
4. Increased capacity to write concise, clear memos to facilitate decision-making of senior political leaders
Professional Skills
Team Work
Oral Communication
Written Communication
Understanding Stakeholders
Research & Analysis
Critical Thinking
Exposé - 35% of the grade - 20' exposé on a topic chosen by the teachers - groups of 2 or 3
Mid-course written memo - 15% - one-pager on a topic/question chosen in a list submitted by the teachers (specific format: (note to a senior political or military authority)
Final written memo - 30% - two-pager on a topic/question chosen in a list submitted by the teachers (specific format: (note to a senior political or military authority)