European Security Course (ESC) 2027
Examining global and regional security challenges relative to Europe and beyond
Since 1997, the European Security Course (ESC) has been deepening the understanding of peace and security professionals from over 80 countries of the interlinking security policy challenges that impact Europe and the other regions of the world. In 2027, this eight-week course will mark its 31st edition, presenting a unique opportunity to develop a wide-ranging understanding of European security issues in the broader international security context.
The ESC examines current trends and challenges in both hard and soft security, European states’ and the European Union’s interests and impacts, regional security architecture relative to Europe (the EU, NATO, and the OSCE), and key state actors. It also analyses Europe’s interaction with and impact on its neighbours and other regions of the world. To do so, it explores the specific regional security dynamics of the Middle East and North Africa, Africa, the Americas, and the Asia-Pacific region.
Relevant traditional transnational challenges are explored, as well as less-traditional issues such as migration, climate change, terrorism, outer space security, the Arctic and cyber security.
Additionally, the course places equal importance on the development of course participants’ personal skills and building up a strong community of security professionals.
Learning Objectives
The European Security Course
- equips participants with a clear understanding of global security trends and European security in its regional and global context;
- enhances participants leadership and essential skills to be effective security policy practitioners; and
- promotes mutual understanding and generate a community of security policy professionals.
Modules
Modules 1 to 4 online: 25/01-19/02
- Key Global Security Challenges
- The European Security Architecture
- Wider Europe
- The Middle East and North Africa
Modules 5 to 8 in presence in Geneva : 22/02-19/03
- Africa
- The Americas
- Asia and Indo-Pacific
- Cross-Regional Perspectives on the Future World Order
Who should attend
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.
Costs
The course is offered free of tuition charges for all participants as part of Switzerland’s contribution to the Partnership for Peace Programme.
Application Deadline: 13 November 2026
Applications in English only
1st month virtual & 2nd month in-person at GCSP, Geneva, Switzerland
The GCSP reserves the right to modify the dates, mode of delivery and fees of our courses. Sign up to stay informed.
The GCSP European Security Course was intellectually demanding in the best possible way. The learning environment combined academic analysis with practitioner insights, bringing together high-level professionals from diverse backgrounds for weekly discussions, simulations, and individual assignments. For me, what sets “the GCSP way” apart is the emphasis on active participation and cross-cultural dialogue so you’re not just learning about security challenges, you’re debating them with people who often view them through entirely different lenses. (…)I highly recommend this course for professionals who want to think more strategically about security challenges and expand their analytical and leadership toolkit. The GCSP provides unparalleled access to expertise, diverse perspectives, and a global network. The workload is substantial and expectations are high, but the intellectual growth is worth the investment.
Still have questions about this course
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