The inaugural week of Senior Course (SC) 122, which began on 18th February 2013 at the NATO Defense College (NDC), offered Course Members immediate insight into the scope and content of the intensive five-month SC curriculum.
Though the opening week was dedicated above all to detailed presentation of the NDC’s organization, study facilities and course requirements, there were also lectures and subsequent Q&A sessions providing essential background to the syllabus as a whole: “Culture and International Relations”, by Dr Florence Gaub (DEU/FRA C) of the NDC Middle East Faculty, and “Strategy”, by NDC Dean Dr Richard D. Hooker (USA C).
Throughout the SC, Course Members will have the opportunity to engage in discussion of different theoretical perspectives on international affairs and related security challenges, as well as of the practical lessons afforded by a variety of perspectives and experiences.
The various paradigms and emerging trends in contemporary International Relations are of fundamental importance to NATO. These are related to a range of variables, including the presence of regional and international organizations, interaction with non-state actors, technological development, economics and the aspirations of civil society.
No single approach can satisfactorily account for the complex scenario of contemporary world politics, or for the associated risks and threats to the security of the international community. Against this background, specialists in a number of fields will address SC 122 on the range of emerging challenges to the international community in general, and to the Alliance in particular.
Discussion of how to confront these effectively will be be developed in considerable detail. For example, the “International Organizations” Study Period includes a specific focus not only on the United Nations, the European Union and its Common Security and Defence Policy, but also on the approach of other regional organizations to security policy.
Overall, SC 122 will thus offer Course Members relevant, up-to-date insight into the main issues which underlie and shape the current global security environment.
NDC Public Affairs Office
(Prepared by Ms Francesca Blasi, ITA C)
NATO Defense College