Since 1997, the European Security Course (ESC) has been deepening security professionals’ understanding of the security policy challenges that impact Europe. This eight-week^[1] course 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

• To provide participants with a comprehensive and analytical overview of global security trends relative to Europe,
• To develop the participants’ understanding of European security and its interactions with regional security dynamics around the world,
• To enhance the participants’ relevant skillsets to be effective in security policy practice, and
• To promote mutual understanding and generate a community of security policy professionals

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, and
• Network with a wide community of security policy professionals.

Open to mid-career peace and security professionals working in:

• national ministries,
• international organisations,
• non-governmental organisations, and
• 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.
The GCSP reserves the right to modify the programme dates, location and fee at any time.