The course reflects the programme’s aims of examining the multiple dimensions of global security, identifying and analysing transformative technologies, and using insights from neuroscience to further our understanding of international affairs. The course’s fundamental premise is that we need new paradigms to understand, prepare for and respond to current and future global challenges.

This course is composed of three modules

• The Future of Outer Space Security - Day 1 - will cover outer space security, multilateral space governance, and both the traditional and emerging actors in this field.
• Transformative Technologies and the Future of Global Security - Day 2 - will explore transformative technologies, their security ramifications, and the ethical challenges that they pose.
• Neurophilosophy of Global Security  - Day 3 - will be dedicated to the neurophilosophy of global security, examining how recent developments in neuroscience shed light on human nature, and can help us to better comprehend individual and state behaviour.

The three modules of the course can be followed separately or together.

Learning outcomes

This three-day course will address a number of key themes in global security.

As a participant, you will:

• develop your knowledge around a broad range of security issues
• gain a comprehensive understanding of some of the most significant technological developments over the coming decades
• be equipped with the critical and analytical skills to address the implications of these trends

Modules and speakers

Module 1: The Future of Outer Space Security – 19 October 2022

• Ambassador Thomas Greminger, GCSP Director

GCSP Director’s Opening Remarks

• Professor Nayef Al-Rodhan, Head of the Geopolitics and Global Futures Programme, GCSP

Introduction and Overview: Outer Space Security

• Dr Xavier Pasco, Director, Foundation for Strategic Research, FRS, Paris, France

Keynote address: The Future of Space Security

• Ms Almudena Azcárate Ortega, Associate Researcher, Weapons of Mass Destruction and Other Strategic Weapons, UNIDIR, Geneva, Switzerland

The Future of Space Security Regulation

• Dr.-Ing. Carsten Wiedemann, Senior Scientist, Institute of Space Systems, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Germany

Space Debris

• Mr Thomas G. Roberts, Adjunct Fellow (Non-resident), Aerospace Security Project, Center for Strategic and International Studies, Washington DC, USA

Threats Against Space Systems

• Dr Michael K. Simpson, Director Emeritus of Secure World Foundation, Professor of Space Policy and Law at International Space University, Senior Fellow of IISC, USA

Space Power and Policy

• Ms Kaitlyn Johnson, Deputy Director and Fellow, Aerospace Security Project, Center for Strategic and International Studies, USA

The Role of Space Forces in Space Security

• Ambassador Hellmut Lagos Koller, Chair of the UN Open Ended Working Group on Reducing Space Threats

The UN Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) & Space Threats

Module 2: Transformative Technologies & the Future of Global Security – 20 October 2022

• Professor Nayef Al-Rodhan, Head of the Geopolitics and Global Futures Programme, GCSP

Introduction and Overview: Transformative Technologies and the Future of Global Security

• Dr Vanessa Camilleri, Senior Lecturer, Department of Artificial Intelligence, Faculty of ICT, University of Malta

Societal Implications of Augmented Reality

• Dr Neil Renic, Senior Researcher, Institute for Peace Research and Security Policy (IFSH), Hamburg, Germany

Autonomous Weapons

• Dr Markus Schmidt, Founder and Team Leader, Biofaction, Vienna, Austria

Synthetic Biology

• Dr Lennart Maschmeyer, Senior Researcher, the Center for Security Studies, Zurich, Switzerland

Cybersecurity and Subversion

• Ms Alexandra Seymour, Associate Fellow, Technology and National Security Program, Center for a New American Security, Washington DC, USA

Emerging Technologies and National Security

• Captain James E. Fanell, GCSP Government Fellow

Hypersonic Missiles

Module 3: Neurophilosophy of Global Security – 21 October 2022

• Professor Nayef Al-Rodhan, Head of the Geopolitics and Global Futures Programme, GCSP

Introduction and Overview: Neurophilosophy, Governance and Global Security

• Professor Lasana Harris, Associate Professor in Experimental Psychology, University College London, UK

The Social Neuroscience of Conflict

• Dr David Gallardo-Pujol, Associate Professor, University of Barcelona, Spain

Neuroscience of Morality

• Professor Shane O‘Mara, Professor of Experimental Brain Research, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland

Neuroscience of Torture

• Dr Marcus Holmes, Associate Professor of Government, The College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, USA

Neuroscience of Conflict and Diplomacy

• Dr Georg Northoff, Canada Research Chair in Mind, Brain Imaging and Neuroethics, ELJB-CIHR Michael Smith Chair in Neurosciences and Mental Health, Research Unit Director, University of Ottawa, Canada

Neuroscience of Identity and Culture

• Professor Lisa Feldman Barrett, Distinguished Professor of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, USA

Emotion AI

• Professor Joseph LeDoux, Professor of Neural Science, Psychology, Psychiatry, and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at New York University; Director of the Emotional Brain Institute at New York University, New York, USA

Neuroscience of Emotions

You will receive a GCSP certificate accredited by EduQua once you have completed all the course modules to the satisfaction of the course director.

The Symposium is designed for officials from governments and international organisations, as well as members of the security and defence policy planning and the intelligence communities. This course is also relevant to representatives from the private sector and nongovernmental organisations, journalists, and anyone with a professional interest in understanding future international security challenges.

1 module: CHF 250 2 modules: CHF 400 3 modules: CHF 600
Apply one month before the course start date to qualify for a 15% discount. Special discount for GCSP Alumni. Connect to MyGCSP for details.