The course aims to provide theoretical knowledge as well as methodological tools for understanding the main contemporary meanings of national security. The program intends to promote both a basic awareness of national security issues and the ability to analyse them with a critical and comparative approach.

Knowledge and understanding: students will have the opportunity to learn and understand the fundamental concepts and the main theories and approaches used in the study of national security. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: students will be able to: − use what they have learned to analyze whether, why and how certain political, economic and social phenomena (internal and transnational) can impact on the security of States and the well-being of their citizens; − reflect on tools and solutions adopted in the field of national security. Autonomy of judgment: students will be able to independently and critically analyse complex and multifaceted phenomena concerning national societies as well as the international arena, grasping in particular the security implications and possible connections. Communication skills: students will develop the ability to transfer the knowledge acquired in a logical and sequential way, both through oral presentation and the elaboration of written texts, in both cases using, consciously and appropriately, specific vocabulary and adequate terminology. Learning skills: enhance students' ability to frame important social phenomena from multiple perspectives, in order to stimulate a cross-cutting analytical approach.

The program aims to introduce students to the main theories concerning national security, and then illustrate and discuss some of its most relevant contemporary dimensions, with reference to both the domestic sphere of States and their international exposure. With this approach, the course intends to show how certain socio-political, economic technological and military issues can entail serious risks and threats to the stability of countries and the well-being of their citizens, but sometimes also provide, if analyzed in a proactive perspective, opportunities for growth and development (i.e. act as a national security multiplier). Although largely dealing with Italy and other liberal-democratic countries (not only of the EU), the course will also concern non democratic systems. As for national security actors, policies and decision-making processes, we will not only deal with the institutional dimension - national and international -, but also with the non-strictly governmental side (e.g. strategic companies). Finally, the program will specifically focus on the role of Intelligence Services.

• The reference texts are chapters taken from English academic handbooks (e-format via LUISS Library) and articles (in English and Italian) available via LUISS Library, websites or Luiss learning platform (see below). • Supplementary slides of the readings will be systematically uploaded on Luiss learning platform after classes. *During the course, additional/optional references will be suggested for those who wish to go deeper into one or more of the program topics.

Frontal lessons, during which the theoretical-conceptual dimension will be systematically supported by the presentation of case-studies and examples; group class discussions; some experts from both institutions and private companies.

take-home essay (on a topic to be selected from a list of titles/issues provided by the teacher): 40%; oral exam: 40%; class active participation: 20%.

Very high grade both on essay and oral exam, class participation, strong interest in national security issues, topic consistent with the program (and to be agreed/defined with the teacher).