Since 1997, the European Security Course (ESC) has been deepening security professionals’ understanding of the security policy challenges that impact Europe.
This eight-week course^[1] is a unique opportunity to develop a wide-ranging understanding of European security issues in the broader international security context. It examines current trends and challenges in both hard and soft security, the European states, the European Union’s interests and impacts, regional security architecture relative to Europe (EU, NATO and OSCE), as well as key state actors. It also analyses Europe’s interactions with and impact on its neighbours and other regions in the world, such as the Middle East / North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, the Americas, and Asia. Relevant transnational challenges are explored, including migration, climate change, terrorism, and cyber security.

Additionally, the course gives, with equal importance, time and space to

• the improvement of personal skills, like public speaking, presenting, coordinating, and leading,        
  and
• the enhancement of the network of all participants with fellow participants, speakers and GCSP Alumni community.

^[1] Part 1: 3 weeks virtual via Zoom and part 2: 5 weeks in-person in Geneva

Learning Objectives

This course offers you a unique opportunity to:

• Grasp how global security trends impact Europe,
• Analyse how Europe interacts with the world on security issues,
• Enhance your skills to increase your effectiveness as a practitioner,
• Network with a wide community of security policy professionals.

Modules

• Key global security challenges
• The European Security Architecture
• Europe and its relation to other regions
  • Wider Europe
  • The Middle East and North Africa
  • Sub-Saharan Africa
  • The Americas
  • Asia
• The future of Europe

Open to mid-career professionals working in:

• national ministries,
• international organisations,
• non-governmental organisations,
• civil society organisations.

Candidates must have had exposure to peace and security issues. Serving officers must have completed an advanced military staff course.

The course is offered free of tuition charges for all participants as part of Switzerland’s contribution to the Partnership for Peace Programme. GCSP reserves the right to modify the programme dates, location, and fee at any time.