article

· · to read
9 October 2023 – Leadership in International Security Course – Course Opening

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!

Continue reading →

article

· · to read
[REPOST] – Pictures of General Sir David Richards’ recent address at the GCSP

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.

Continue reading →

article

· · to read
[REPOST] – The Swiss Parliament voted to renew its financial support for the three Geneva Centres

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

article

· · to read
[REPOST] -General Lord David Richards at a BSCC and GCSP event

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


Continue reading →

article

· · to read
[REPOST] Office call with General Sir David Richards – Geneva Centre for Security Policy

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.

Continue reading →

article

· · to read
Republication commentée d’un post de la Société des officiers et militaires du campus universitaire de Lausanne

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 !

Continue reading →

repost

· · to read
Visit to the GCSP

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

article

· · to read
GCSP – 23rd NISC Graduation ceremony

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.
Continue reading →

article

· · to read
[REPOST] – Symposium « War in Europe: Global Perspectives for Military Leaders »

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.

article

· · to read
International Geneva and the GCSP – Presentation for SOAS / CISD

Today, students from the Centre for International Studies and Diplomacy (CISD) from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, came to the GCSP. The CISD runs a Master in Global Diplomacy ;  each year, they come to Geneva to visit various Inter-governmental Organizations and Think Tanks, such as the GCSP.

I introduced International Geneva and the GCSP and I enjoyed the interaction with the very reactive participants. My presentation is available below.

Continue reading →

article

· · to read

Le 31 mai 2023, un groupe de mil@campus ainsi que de la société romande des armes spéciales (SRAS) a visité le GCSP. Au programme: conférences et exercices. Les jeunes et moins jeunes officiers ont collaboré pour analyser la situation dans la péninsule coréenne. En fin de journée, une grande satisfaction de l’organisateur et des participants qui ont découvert de nouvelles perspectives.

 

 

checkin

· · to read

Invité à l’inauguration de RUAG Innovation à Lausanne, dans le cadre d’un événement organisé en collaboration avec Unlimitrust by #SICPA, #Swissintell et #Trust Valley.

Passionnantes conférences sur les défis de la géopolitique – Jean-Philippe Gaudin (SICPA, ancien directeur SRC), les LLM – Prof. Philippe Cudré-Mauroux (eXascale Infolab, UNIFR), la vision de la Suisse comme Deeptech Nation – Dominique Mégret (Swisscom Ventures).