The academic programme for Senior Course 115 began on Monday, 7 September 2009 with the start of Module A examining “The Changing Security Environment”. Within this module, the first Study Period on “Political Theories & International Relations” was held from 7-11September 2009, with the aim of reviewing the fundamental processes and conceptual issues underlying the 21 st century security environment.
The opening lecture on Monday, 7 September, covering “The International System and Schools of Thought”, was delivered by Ambassador Dr Fred TANNER, Director of the Geneva Centre for Security Policy. Dr Tanner examined different schools of thought regarding the nature of the international system, and different concepts of and approaches to security in the current world order.
“Strategic Thinking”, the second topic on the agenda, was presented on Tuesday, 8 September by Professor Christopher COKER, Head of the International Relations Department at the London School of Economics. He provided his audience with an impressive insight into current theoretical and conceptual discussions on strategy, referring, where appropriate, to real-world political and military issues.
On Wednesday, 9 September, Dr Thomas X. HAMMES, an internationally acknowledged expert in military history and strategy, delivered the lecture on “The Changing Nature of Conflict”. His presentation analyzed recent developments in the nature of warfare, and offered a lively picture of today’s and tomorrow’s fourth and fifth generation warfare, including the low tech and high tech elements which make up a “hybrid war” scenario
On Thursday, 10 September, Dr Mikkel RASMUSSEN, Head of the Danish Institute for Military Studies, gave an overview on “Globalization” and its impact on national states and international organizations. Moreover, he provided an outlook on how globalization affects international security and influences national and international decision makers.
On Friday, 11 September, Professor Dr Philippe MOREAU-DEFARGES, of the Institute of Political Studies, Paris, concluded the Study Period with a lecture on “Legal Frameworks and Norms”. In this he described recent developments in international law relating to security matters and international relations, analysing in particular issues such as humanitarian intervention and the right of self defence. He discussed also the prospects for development of International legal institutions and the role of the UN Security Council.
Prepared by Mr Gavin Kitchingham (GBR C)
Collège de Défense de l'OTAN