In the week beginning 1 Mar 2010 SC 116 lectures began in earnest with Module A, and Study Period A1 – Political Theories and International Relations. The aim of Study Period A1 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”. At the end of the module, Course Members have the opportunity to propose, by consensus in Committees, a Vision of the World in 2025. SP A1 helps set the scene for this work, as well as provide a foundation for the remainder of the Course.
On Monday 1 Mar 2010, HE Ambassador Dr Frederic Tanner provided a good introduction to Study Period A1 with his presentation "The International System and Schools of Thought". He delivered clearly and methodically, and covered the principle issues that Course Members need to understand as they begin their studies. Amb Tanner started with a useful definition of Security, and focused on Realism, Liberalism, the International System, and Defence structures. Topics discussed included new and emerging concepts, rising powers and the Human Security agenda. Comments on Russia, China and India were a welcome link in to later modules of the curriculum. The Q&A was good, as was the seminar, and Amb Tanner answered numerous challenging questions thoroughly and in a way which stimulated further thought.
On Tuesday 2 Mar 2010, Professor Christopher Coker continued the Study period with "Strategic Thinking". In his usual fashion, Prof Coker provided a well structured and provocative presentation to the SC, including a good Q&A session and seminar. Prof Coker rooted his presentation in intellectual rigour and convincing argument with good historical and contemporary references. Course Members enjoyed a captivating presentation on the nature of Strategy, and the challenges and difficulties in applying it to the many Security problems evident today. The Professor touched on broader issues and provided good ‘hooks’ in to other topics to be covered in the curriculum. All in all, Professor Coker tailored his presentation perfectly to the political/strategic level of the NDC curriculum.
On Wednesday 3 Mar 2010, Dr Mikkel Rasmussen presented on "Globalisation", and helped Course Members appreciate the nature of globalisation and its effects on the world today, considering such key questions as what constitutes power in a globalised world, and whether globalisation is precipitating a competition of ideologies. Joining Dr Rasmussen was Professor Antonio Palmisano who expanded discussions on Globalisation, specifically with respect to “National Identity and Pluralism”. Discussions centred around the defining dynamics of kinship, blood ties and shared territory, and the proliferation of non-state and trans-state actors on the world stage. 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.
On Thursday 4 Mar 2010, SC 116 enjoyed a stimulating and provocative day considering “The Changing Nature of Conflict”. Guest speakers were Dr Thomas Hammes and Professor Peter Jakobsen. The morning began with Dr Hammes who offered valuable thoughts on the changing nature vs the changing character of conflict, discussing the many actors on the world stage of violence. Dr Hammes provided excellent cross references to the other modules of the curriculum. Themes and ideas were taken forward by Professor Jakobsen who offered a frank and stimulating assessment of NATO, the future challenges it faces, particularly in Afghanistan, and the problems of implementing the Comprehensive Approach and Counter Insurgency strategies. The Q&A session was extremely lively, offering course members every opportunity to challenge speakers and develop ideas. All in all, a most valuable day.
The final day for SP A1 was Friday 5 Mar 2010 with Professor Philippe Moreau Defarges and his lecture “Legal Framework and Norms”. Professor Moreau Defarges delivered a broad and captivating discourse on Law and its relationship to State sovereignty and legitimacy. 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. All in all, Professor Moreau Defarges completed the week for SC 116 on a strong note, with many ideas for Course Members to take forward as the curriculum progresses.
NDC Public Affairs Office
NATO Defense College