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I had the pleasure to present International Geneva and the GCSP to participants from the Strategic Leadership Course organized by the Austrian National Defence Academy

Last Wednesday, the Strategic Leadership Course organized by the Austrian National Defence Academy #Vienna visited the GCSP in the context of their study trip to #Geneva. More than 40 participants, from the Austrian public and private sector, spent an insightful day filled with impactful discussions under the leadership of Lieutenant General (LTG) Erich Csitkovits, commandant of the Academy.
This visit allowed for an engaged and fruitful bilateral session between Ambassador Greminger and LTG Csitkovits, fostering stronger relations and collaboration.
The participants were informed about the different facets of the GCSP activities:🔎 Colonel (GS) Dr Christian Bühlmann opened the event with an inspiring presentation on International Geneva and GCSP’s role.🔎 Dr Jean-Marc Rickli focused on the « Security and geopolitical implications of emerging technologies, » generating fascinating discussions.🔎 Ambassador Thomas Greminger shared profound insights comparing Austrian and Swiss foreign and security policies.
Lecturers and participants contributed to making this visit a success! The participants’ active engagement and thoughtful questions added immense value to the conversations.
« Let’s continue building bridges and fostering dialogue! » – Austrian participant.

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I had the pleasure to attend virtually to the opening of the 28th edition of the 28th edition of the European Security Course (ESC).

The 28th edition of the European Security Course is underway! 🎆
Since 1997, the European Security Course (ESC) has been deepening #security professionals’ understanding of the security policy #challenges that impact Europe. We were delighted to kick-off the ESC 2024 edition on Monday with our 23 fantastic participants, hailing from 22 different countries. 🌍
Learn more about our Advanced Courses: https://bit.ly/2N42509

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On Tuesday 12 December, the GCSP had the pleasure of hosting a group of participants from the Master in European and International Governance – MEIG Programme.
GCSP experts were happy to provide an overview of some of our activities, starting with an introduction session on #InternationalGeneva by Col (GS) Dr Christian Bühlmann. Some of the key global issues discussed included #Environment and Security, presented by our Head of Human Security Ms Anna Brach, and Artificial Intelligence #AI and its implications on the sphere of International Security, presented by Project Officer Mr Federico Mantellassi.
Many thanks to #MEIG for your visit and for your interest!


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Michael A. McKay

Were Zelenskyy to take counsel from Clausewitz and Sun Tzu, what do you think they would say to him? Just one of the questions I put to the UK’s former Chief of the Defence Staff, General Sir David Richards on #themckayinterview, broadcasting tomorrow on World Radio Switzerland Switzerland at 8pm #Geneva time. Geneva Centre for Security Policy Thomas Greminger Dr Christian Bühlmann Thomas Suessli The British-Swiss Chamber of Commerce

General the Lord Richards of Herstmonceux – McKay Interview worldradio.ch • Lecture de 1 min

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With the support of dedicated GCSP colleagues, I delivered the « Welcome to Switzerland » module to the new LISC participants. After an introduction, the four groups made a circuits through four « Swiss cities » with a quiz, an history puzzle, a video on Swiss institutions, as well as a description of their perception if their new host country. I then focussed on a couple of Swiss specificities.
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On October 5 and 6, the GCSP organized a workshop entitled « Outlook and Opportunities in the MENA Region: Analytics and Options for the Swiss MENA Strategy » in collaboration with the CCDP – Centre on Conflict, Development and Peacebuilding.
The workshop brought together 27 international experts to assess current and future challenges and developments in the #MENA region. Based on preliminary desk research undertaken by Dr. Farrah Hawana, the experts discussed current geopolitical, social and economic trends in the region. Topics such as #peace, #security, governance, human rights, #migration, economic affairs, #science, sustainable development and #climatechange were discussed and analyzed by the experts. A country-specific analysis was also undertaken in order to obtain important inputs from experts based in the region.
A special thanks goes to all the experts who contributed to the workshop: Hassan Abul-Enein, Maryam Alemzadeh, Rim Aljabi, Riccardo Bocco, Natasha Carmi, Andrea C., Jerome Drevon, Seraina Eldada, Maria Luisa Fantappie, Jalel Harchaoui, Peter Harling, Nadim Houry, Lina Khatib, Jean-Marc Rickli, Carole Rizkallah Alsharabati, Bilal Salaymeh, Alexander Tyler, Achim Wennmann.
Based on the outcomes of the workshop, the GCSP experts (Thomas Greminger, Tobias Vestner, Maréva Roduit, Marc George, Dr Christian Bühlmann, Anca Munteanu, PhD) and CCDP experts (Keith Krause, Farrah Hawana, Alaa Tartir, PhD., Souhail BELHADJ KLAZ) then discussed #policy options for the next Swiss strategy for the MENA region with FDFA representatives (Rascha Osman, Gabriele Guzzi, Vanessa Di Giorgi). A report on the challenges and prospects for the MENA region, together with policy options and recommendations for #Switzerland, will be submitted to the FDFA next month. Part of the research will also be published in the GCSP publication series.
Find more of our publications here: https://bit.ly/3PUtJt8

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Dr Siobhán Martin

GCSP – Deputy Head, Executive Education/Director, Leadership in International Security Course

This week, the Geneva Centre for Security Policy was delighted to welcome 22 participants from 21 countries across the globe, as participants in the 38th edition of our 8-month Leadership in International Security Course.
They will be at GCSP until the end of May 2024, engaging with over 130 experts on a wide range of topics in international peace and security, simultaneously enhancing their leadership skillset and network, to more effectively navigate the issues and challenges in our international environment today.
During the course opening, GCSP’s Executive Director Ambassador Thomas Greminger and Deputy Executive Director Christina Orisich addressed the group which includes participants from Malawi, Togo, Oman and Costa Rica for the first time.
Collectively the group has over 370 years of experience and we very much look forward to facilitating their learning and leadership journeys throughout the next 8 months!

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Michael A. McKay

Profound, thoughtful and not “mainstream”, this describes General Sir David Richards‘ recent address to the The British-Swiss Chamber of Commerce #Geneva and Geneva Centre for Security Policy at Geneva’s #MaisondelaPaix, entitled, “Whither Statecraft, Whither Statesmen: The Death of Strategy”. General Richards lamented the dearth of talented #leadership in matters of #globalsecurity and offered some solutions.

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Geneva Centre for Security Policy

Today, the Swiss Parliament voted to renew its financial support for our three Geneva Centres with a new framework credit of CHF 130 million for the period of 2024-27. The Geneva Centres, all headquartered in Maison de la Paix in the heart of International Geneva, foster innovative and efficient solutions to promote peace, human security, and sustainable development.
We are grateful for Switzerland’s continued leadership in building peace and security worldwide, which is more relevant now than ever. Its generous funding commitment provides a solid base from which the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP), the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD), and the DCAF – Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance can continue to work in support of the values that Switzerland holds close and the creation of a just and peaceful international order.
Stefano Toscano Thomas Greminger Nathalie Chuard Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA

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Michael A. McKay

General Sir David Richards offers profound and thoughtful remarks in an address to The British-Swiss Chamber of Commerce and Geneva Centre for Security Policy on the “Death of Strategy” Thomas Greminger Richard Golding Christina Schori Liang Vanessa Neil Simon Cleobury Richard Arnold Liz Schmid Dr Christian Bühlmann


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On 4 October, General Sir David Richards addressed the GCSP and The British-Swiss Chamber of Commerce and offered « profound and thoughtful remarks » on the « Death of Strategy ». Before that, he had an office call with Ambassador Thomas Greminger and discussed the evolution of world politics.

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Merci à la Société des officiers et militaires du campus universitaire de Lausanne de son post sympathique. Le plaisir était partagé, les membres des trois sociétés d’officiers et de militaires ont contribué par leur engagement et leur collaboration au succès de la journée. Merci également au Dr Linda Maduz et à Gazmend Huskaj de leurs excellentes présentations.

Et, en passant, puisque ma soutenance de thèse publique a été mentionnée, l’invitation est valable pour toutes et tous les membres de la société. Merci de votre inscription qui me permettra d’assurer qu’il n’y aura pas que des biscuits militaires et du thé pour l’apéritif.

Bonnes vacances !

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Representatives of NATO‘s Comprehensive Assistance Programme for Ukraine & NATO-Ukraine Professional Development Programme visited the GCSP this week to exchange on potential support for security and education for #Ukraine.

During this visit, education in Crisis Management, Cyber Security and Strategic Anticipation was discussed.

Eden Cole Anastasiia P. Aleksandr Lapko Christian Bühlmann Gina Menghini

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Today, I have attended to the 23rd New Issues in Security Course (NISC) graduation ceremony.
It was a short and moving ceremony. Ambassador Thomas Greminger welcomed the participants and their familly. NISC Course director Anna Brach reminded the participants of their upcoming challenges. Ms Assal Massoud held the participants speech and advised her colleagues to consider peace as a choice. Ms Bérangère Barthelmé, the NISC coordinator, told a brief, but heartful message.
In the end, Ms Danielle Marlyse Ngo Thena sang a wonderful, and moving, a capella rendition of the «Ode to Joy» from Ludwig van Beethoven’s 9th Symphony.
Congratulations to the participants and a safe return to their home countries and their (new) work positions.

More pictures below.
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Pannelists at the symposium

Yesterday, the GCSP organized a symposium entitled « War in Europe: Global Perspectives for Military Leaders » at the Swiss Armed Forces Military Caserne in #Bern under the leadership of Tobias Vestner, Maréva Roduit and Christian Bühlmann. 85 general staff officers were offered strategic viewpoints and insights into the implications of #war.
In their introductory remarks, Ambassador Thomas Greminger and Lieutenant General Thomas Suessli presented the key points of the war and outlined the general implications from a #Swiss and global perspective. Ambassador Thomas Greminger explained the possible scenarios for the future and presented the necessary elements for rebuilding European #security, such as restoring #trust, military risk reduction and the transformation of « In-between countries » into « Bridge countries ». A panel of experts then discussed the geopolitical implications of the conflict for Europe (Ambassador Thomas Greminger), China, Russia, the United States (Neil Melvin) and the Global South (Ambassador Yvette Stevens), and how these countries are repositioning themselves in the international order.
In interactive workshops, our GCSP experts discussed the future challenges that could arise in terms of #defense postures, modern #warfare and non-military security threats to global security. Dr. Jamie Shea explained how NATO is taking a step backwards towards collective defense, and how the EU is moving forward with #coordination and consolidation of synergies. Jean-Marc Rickli demonstrated the exponential nature of emerging technologies and how their convergence should lead us to greater foresight, #resilience and polymath thinking. Finally, Christina Schori Liang highlighted the considerable influence of non-state actors on the balance of #power and international public opinion.
The symposium led to fruitful discussions between global experts and Swiss military leaders.