Neurophilosophy of Global Security - January 2027
Are we biologically wired for peace - or for power?
Created by Professor Nayef Al-Rodhan, this course explores the unsettling truth: our political choices are not always rational, and morality is more flexible than we think. Drawing from cutting-edge neuroscience and philosophy, we uncover how emotions, ego, and evolution influence everything from diplomacy to war.
Traditional political theory assumes we’re rational actors. But the science says otherwise. By understanding the neurological and psychological roots of human behaviour, we can rethink how leaders lead, how states act, and how societies respond to crisis and conflict.
This is not your typical global security training.
We go beneath ideology - into the biology of belief, behaviour, and power.
- A ground-breaking framework combining neuroscience and political analysis
- Explore “Emotional Amoral Egoism” - a provocative model of human motivation
- Led by high-level experts across philosophy, neuroscience, and international affairs
- Interactive tools and case studies that translate science into strategic insight.
Learning objectives
You will learn to:
- Decode how neuroscience informs global decision-making and security policy
- Analyse power, conflict, and diplomacy through the lens of human cognition
- Understand how cognitive enhancement, AI, and brain science are reshaping ethics, governance, and the future of humanity
Who should attend
- Government and international organization officials
- Policy advisors, security analysts, and intelligence professionals
- Leaders in the private sector, think tanks, NGOs, and media
- Anyone shaping - or questioning - the future of global security and human behaviour
Costs
500
CHF
The GCSP reserves the right to modify the programme dates, location and fee at any time.
15% Early-Bird Discount if you apply before 9 November 2026. GCSP Alumni qualify for a 20% discount on the standard rate of 500 CHF.
15% Early-Bird Discount if you apply before 9 November 2026. GCSP Alumni qualify for a 20% discount on the standard rate of 500 CHF.
The Geopolitics and Global Futures Symposium is a forward-looking programme composed of three dynamic, two-day modules offering cutting-edge insights and perspectives.
- The Future of Outer Space Security (January)
- Transformative Technologies and Security (October)
- The Neurophilosophy of Global Security (December)
Participants may enroll in individual modules based on their interests or complete the full series for a comprehensive, interdisciplinary perspective on the forces reshaping global security.
The GCSP reserves the right to modify the dates, mode of delivery and fees of our courses. Sign up to stay informed.
Still have questions about this course
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