1. Develop a sophisticated understanding of international security through the interdisciplinary framework of national security studies, including the ability to distinguish between theoretical concepts and real-world policy practice. 2. Analyze how states and other actors identify, prioritize, and respond to a broad spectrum of security challenges — traditional (military, great power) and non-traditional (cyber, economic, technological, energy, environmental, and societal). 3. Understand the policy cycle in national security, including how policies are formulated, implemented, and coordinated across defense, intelligence, economic, technological, energy, and resilience institutions. 4. Strengthen analytical and critical thinking skills through rigorous engagement with scholarly readings, empirical evidence, and current international security developments. 5. Build professional readiness for careers in government, diplomacy, defense, intelligence, international organizations, think tanks, journalism, and the private sector by developing interdisciplinary problem-solving capabilities and policy-relevant expertise. 6. Foster intellectual openness and ethical awareness, including the capacity to evaluate the moral, legal, and societal implications of national security decisions.

None. Basic knowledge of IR and International History can be helpful.

The course offers a comprehensive examination of international security through the interdisciplinary lens of national security studies. It explores how states, governments, and other key actors understand and respond to a wide spectrum of security challenges in an increasingly complex global environment emphasizing real-world policy processes, strategic decision-making, and operational realities. Students will analyze how national security policies are formulated, implemented, and coordinated across institutions in the realm of defense, intelligence, economics, technology, energy, and societal resilience. Through in-depth case studies, simulations, and policy exercises, students will develop the analytical and applied tools necessary to navigate contemporary security challenges.

Readings can be freely accessed online through the links in the syllabus .

Interactive Discussions and Debates: Each session dedicates substantial time to active, student-led discussions. Students are expected to read, critically engage and process the required readings. Each class we will discuss a topic using the readings as a basis and expanding through debates on current international security affairs. Case Studies: The course makes extensive use of real-world and historical case studies. Students will analyze these cases from multiple perspectives to understand policy successes, failures, and dilemmas. Policy Paper Assignment: A central component of the course is the major policy paper (approximately 3,000–4,000 words). Students will analyze a contemporary crisis and produce a professional, policy-oriented document (e.g., a policy memo, national security strategy brief, or intelligence assessment) that includes threat analysis, policy options, and recommendations. This assignment emphasizes clear writing, rigorous analysis, and realistic policy formulation.

Assessment: • Participation: 10% • Group policy paper: 15% • Final written exam: 75% The final written exam will consist in 6 open questions on the entire course program.

Interest in the discipline; active participation during the course; topic chosen for the final paper's assignment.