Europe and the wider world face complex, multifaceted and fundamental security challenges at an ever-expansive scale. Whether it is new threats such as cybersecurity, the impact of environmental degradation on security and livelihoods, the societal impacts of the impending ‘robotics and artificial intelligence revolution’ or the resurgence of classical threats, such as nuclear proliferation, arms races, regional conflicts, information warfare, hybrid warfare and the challenges of peacekeeping, peace-building and conflict resolution, the next generation of students and analysts must be literate in the analytical tools and policy-oriented solutions to a wide range of security problems.
To this end, since 2018, the Global Governance Institute (GGI) together with the Belgian Royal Military Academy, and a network of senior scholars and policy-makers from international organisations (such as NATO, the European Union and the United Nations) have teamed up every summer to deliver a unique 10-day intensive summer school from the political capital of Europe. This summer school brings together theoretical and policy-oriented perspectives from peace studies, security studies and strategic studies. Students will learn first-hand from some of the leading scholars and senior practitioners about major security challenges and how to apply concrete policy solutions in an integrative manner.
The 5th GPSSS will be delivered in a hybrid format, simultaneously available on site in Brussels and online. Participants can choose the format that best suits their situation and learning style, and register for one of the two learning experiences. All learning and social activities are designed and delivered with a focus on engagement and continuous interaction among students, lecturers and invited speakers. The programme provides ample opportunities for exchange and peer learning, exclusive insights from officials and practitioners, and a combination of active learning methods that will ultimately deliver a unique learning experience. On site participants will have the chance to experience Brussels and take part in networking activities and thematic visits to European institutions.
"A great programme, comprehensive, and a lot of experts that work in relevant positions at the UN, EU or NATO or in academia. As an IR student, I was able to get a broad overview of security studies without losing the ability to go in-depth. It was enriching to be able to ask the experts any question that comes to mind. The simulation game was also interesting at the end of the two weeks, where we were simulating a G20 summit. All in all it was very much worth it, and I thank once again the organisers, lecturers and participants!"
"As a GPSSS graduate, I can guarantee that this intensive summer school will exceed your expectations. With a variety of lectures and simulation games, I was able not only to acquire new knowledge but also to interactively engage with my highly reputable professors and experts that helped me better understand the complex but exciting topics of strategy, security, global governance and many more. If you want a summer school that is well structured, that is run by professionals and that you will graduate knowing that you will make good friends along the way, look no further."
The Royal Military Academy and the Global Governance Institute will award 6 ECTS to all participants who successfully complete the summer programme. This can be achieved if students attend all sessions, take part in the final simulation and hand in one written assignment in the form of a policy paper. Students’ institutions will decide whether and how to integrate the credits into their educational programmes.
The programme is open to undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled at a recognised higher education institution or have recently graduated, as well as practitioners. Applicants need to fill out the summer school application form and upload their academic file.
GPSSS in Brussels €1650
The fee includes access to all sessions, learning materials and digital learning platform, meals, coffee and refreshments throughout all 10 days, as well as the welcome dinner, graduation ceremony reception, and social activities in Brussels.
GPSSS online €950
The fee includes online access to all sessions (synchronously streamed and interactive), learning materials and digital learning platform.
