As Senior Course 144 (SC 144) ends its academic journey, the moment has arrived to present their Committee Study Projects (CSP). These research projects represent a joint continuous effort, an example of teamwork throughout the entire Senior Course, consensus building, and strategic thinking.
The Committee Study project involves developing a consensus paper that addresses a research question on topics of strategic relevance to NATO, as proposed by the NDC Research Division, covering areas such as NATO and strategic competition, crisis prevention and management, cooperative security, and the evolving landscape of innovation and the future of warfare.
Consensus-building, a critical component of NATO decision-making and a key to its success, is a primary skill we aim to promote and to develop during the Senior Course. The CSP exercise allows participants to practice both strategic thinking and consensus-building techniques when selecting a relevant research question and formulating an answer.
The process spans the entire duration of the Senior Course, incorporating all academic activities. The eight Committees of the Senior Course work on their respective research questions throughout the SC, and present a final 2500-word paper. The presentation of the CSP is the last step, attended by high-level representatives of NATO or member states, NDC faculty and staff. The best project is awarded the “Eisenhower Prize”, which will be announced during the graduation ceremony of Senior Course 144.
This collaborative effort and academic achievement underscores the NATO Defense College’s commitment to developing skilled leaders equipped with the skills necessary to navigate the complex challenges of the ever-evolving global landscape of the Alliance and its partner countries.
NDC Public Affairs Office
(Prepared by Ms Sofia Carvalheiro, PRT C)
NATO Defense College