On Monday 30 October 2013, Senior Course 123 (SC 123) began its European Perspectives Field Study. This is an important part of the academic curriculum of the Senior Course, allowing Course Members to acquire a strategic appreciation of major political, economic and security issues as seen from the national perspectives of selected regional countries. The Field Study also offers participants direct insight into the ways in which policies contribute to Euro-Atlantic security. Over the next two weeks, after an initial one-day session dedicated to Italy, SC 123 will have a busy schedule of institutional visits and briefings in Germany, United Kingdom, France, Portugal and Spain.
The Commandant of the NATO Defence College, Lieutenant General Arne Bård DALHAUG (NOR A), took part in this initial day, focused on the security perspectives and priorities of Italy. The event was hosted by the Centre for Strategic Defence Studies (CASD), in Rome. On arrival, the group was warmly welcomed by Major General Nicola GELAO, who delivered the introductory address. Later during the session, CASD President Admiral Rinaldo VERI conveyed the good wishes of the Italian Chief of Defence for a rewarding day of presentations and discussion.
Italian foreign, security and defence policies were presented by three distinguished speakers, who discussed the topics in great detail for SC 123 Course Members. The first briefing, about Italian Defence, was presented by Major General Nicola GELAO, covering the main commitments of the Italian Armed Forces in the current strategic scenario under the following headings: missions and lessons learned; the Transformation process; current operations; Italy’s posture in the wider Mediterranean; the Defence Review; and capability enhancement. The second briefing, on Italy’s Foreign Policy, was given by Counsellor Fabrizio COLACECI of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Focusing mainly on the geopolitical dimension, the speaker offered a clear, comprehensive overview of the main pillars of Italian foreign policy at multilateral and bilateral level, and national interests and priorities. The third lecture, about Internal Security, was delivered by Colonel Giuseppe LANZILLOTTI of the Ministry of the Interior. Particular attention was given to the problems of terrorism, organized crime, illegal immigration, drug trafficking, economic crime, cybercrime and the importance of international cooperation.
During the extensive Q&A period which followed the lectures, Course Members asked a number of challenging questions. These were mainly focused on military cooperation, the role of the United Nations, terrorism, information sharing and intelligence operations, NATO-EU security cooperation, international legality and legitimacy, interoperability and capability development in the current period of austerity, and the future of NATO.
Following this excellent and fruitful opening session on Italy, the European Perspectives Field Study will now take Course Members to Germany (Berlin).
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