In the week beginning 28 Feb 2011 SC 118 lectures began in earnest with Study Period A pt 1 – The Global Security Environment. The aim of Study Period A is “To review the nature of the current International System in order to propose a possible future security environment, and the place of the military instrument within it”; SP A pt 1 forms the first week of studies. As a consolidation exercise later in the course, Course Members have the opportunity to propose, by consensus in Committees, a Vision of the World in 2025. SP A pt 1 helps set the scene for this work, as well as provide a foundation for the remainder of the course.
On Monday 28 Feb, Ambassador Dr Fred Tanner provided a good introduction with his presentation “The International System and Schools of Thought”. Liberalism, Realism and Constructivism were covered, and the Amb was particularly clear in highlighting the limits of ‘Western’ thinking with regards to security and state organisation. Amb Tanner was especially up to date with thoughts and comments on the latest developments in the Mahgreb, and referenced his presentation well to NATO’s new Strategic Concept. The Q&A was very good, as was the seminar, and Amb Tanner answered numerous challenging questions thoroughly and in a way which stimulated further thought.
On Tuesday 1 Mar, Professor Christopher Coker continued the Study period with “Strategic Thinking”. In his usual fashion, Prof Coker provided an expert appreciation of the concept of Strategy, with numerous useful examples from political and military history. He offered challenging thoughts to CMs and related his lecture well to NATO’s new Strategic Concept. The Q&A session, in particular, developed ideas concerning the nature of Strategic thought in today’s world, and addressed questions related to the current Middle East difficulties. All in all, Professor Coker provided the NDC with a most valuable day.
On Wednesday 2 Mar SC 118 enjoyed a stimulating and provocative day considering “Conflict and Confrontation”. Guest speakers were Dr Thomas Hammes, NDC Dean – Dr Richard Hooker and the NDC Dir Research Division – Dr Kamp. As a panel of three speakers, key topics were addressed: Hybrid Threats, Nuclear Deterrence and the Changing Nature of Conflict. The speakers offered a captivating discourse on the many issues associated with such a broad speaking remit, and followed up with a frank and engaging Q&A and Seminar session. All in all, a busy and challenging day for SC 118.
On Thursday 3 Mar Dr Mikkel Rasmussen presented on “Globalisation”, and helped Course Members understand NATO’s new Strategic Concept within a Globalised context. Prof Rasmussen provided a most useful analysis of Risk Management within a Globalised world. Joining Dr Rasmussen once again, was Dr Eric Germain who expanded discussions on Globalisation, specifically with respect to “National Identity and Pluralism”. Dr Germain delivered a good analysis of his subject, and offered sophisticated and expert views on the interactions of religion and social dynamics, and the importance of these themes for NATO. The combined morning finished with a lively Q&A session with plenty of opportunity to challenge speakers on their ideas in both Q&A and in subsequent seminar.
The final day for SP A pt 1 was Friday 4 Mar 2011 with Professor Philippe Moreau Defarges and his lecture “Legal Framework and Norms”. Professor Moreau Defarges once again delivered a broad discourse on Law and its relationship to State sovereignty and legitimacy, but with specific discussion on UNSCR 1325, and UNSCRs in general. The professor outlined the complexity and strong contradictions within law as it is applied globally, and offered numerous examples from history and contemporary events to illustrate his points. The Q&A session and seminar were lively and informative, and much appreciated by Course Members. Professor Moreau Defarges completed the week for SC 117 on a strong and enthusiastic note, with many ideas for Course Members to take forward as the weeks progress.
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