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 course is structured around three major topics in the international security field.
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.

• List of Speakers 2021 Symposium

Wednesday, 1 September – The Future of Outer Space Security

•  08:50-09:00: GCSP Presentation
  • Ms Christina Osirich
• 09:00-09:30: Introduction and Overview: Outer Space Security
  • Professor Nayef Al-Rodhan
•  09:30:10:00: Keynote address: Space Governance
  • Mr Niklas Hedman
• 10:30-11:00: Militarization of Outer Space and the New Space Forces
  • Mr Xavier Pasco
•  11:00-11:30: Space Debris
  • Dr.-Ing. Carsten Wiedemann
• 14:00-14:30: Threats Against Space Systems
  • Mr Thomas G. Roberts
• 14:30-15:00: Space Exploration, Moon and Mars
  • Dr Alain Dupas
• 15:00-15:30: Space Power and Policy
  • Dr Michael K. Simpson

Thursday, 2 September  – Transformative Technologies & the Future of Global Security

• 09:00-09:30: Introduction and Overview: Transformative Technologies and the Future of Global Security
  • Professor Nayef Al-Rodhan
•  09:30-10:00: Keynote address: Cybersecurity: Information Technology and Subversion
  • Dr Lennart Maschmeyer
• 10:30-11:00: Big Data
  • Dr Mark Madsen
• 11:00-11:30: Synthetic Biology
  • Dr Markus Schmidt
• 14:00-14:30: Virtual and Augmented Reality
  • Professor Marc Pollefeys
•  14:30:15:00: Autonomous Weapons
  • Dr Neil Renic
• 15:00-15:30: Hypersonic Missiles
  • Captain James E. Fanell

Friday, 3 September – Neurophilosophy of Global Security

• 09:00-09:30: Introduction and Overview: Neurophilosophy, Governance and Global Security
  • Professor Nayef Al-Rodhan
•  09:30:10:00: Keynote address: Neuroethics and Neurophilosophy
  • Professor Gerrit Glas
• 10:30-11:00: Neuroscience of Morality
  • Dr David Gallardo-Pujol
• 11:00-11:30: Neuroscience of Torture
  • Professor Shane O‘Mara
• 14:00-14:30: Neuroscience of Diplomacy
  • Dr Marcus Holmes
• 14:30-15:00: Neuroscience of Identity and Culture
  • Dr Georg Northoff
• 15:00-15:30: Neuroscience of Emotions
  • Professor Joseph LeDoux
• 16:00-16:30: Neuroscience of Conflict
  • Dr William Casebeer

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.
GCSP Alumni can benefit of special conditions.