Seminar of the High Studies for Security and Defence: artificial intelligence, democracy and geopolitics at the heart of the debates
Find out how the High Studies for Security and Defence (HSSD) are training tomorrow’s leaders by tackling the major challenges of international security, through a seminar focusing on artificial intelligence, democracy and geopolitics.
The High Studies for Security and Defence (HSSD)
A high-level training programme organised by the Royal Higher Institute for Defence (RHID) in partnership with the Royal Institute for International Relations (Egmont Institute), explore further current global challenges during their residential seminar on 18 and 19 October 2024 in Brussels. This multidisciplinary programme is aimed at senior officers and leading civilian executives selected for their expertise in security and defence.
Main themes of the October 2024 HSSD seminar
The seminar took place over two days of lectures and discussions. Each presentation provided essential insights into burning issues such as artificial intelligence, crime, political extremism and democracy.
1. Artificial intelligence: a threat or an opportunity for security?
Bart Asnot (Microsoft) opened the seminar by highlighting the critical issues linked to the possibilities of artificial intelligence (AI) and the threats it represents in the defence and security sectors. This technological aspect is crucial to the management of modern conflicts and the prevention of cyber attacks.
2. AI military threats and international security
Dr Joseph Henrotin, an expert from the Centre d’analyse et de prévision des risques internationaux (CAPRI) and ISC Paris, took a closer look at the risks associated with the military applications of AI. The growing use of automated systems and military drones has the potential to redefine defence strategies in future conflicts.
3. Crime and drugs: tomorrow’s security challenges
Ine Van Wymersch, National Drugs Commissioner (and alumna of the 2023-24 HSSD season), shared her expertise on the fight against crime and the challenges faced by the National Drugs Commissioner’s Office. The globalisation of drug trafficking represents a constant challenge for international security agencies.
4. Environment and geopolitics: what impact on security?
Jean-Pascal van Ypersele, professor at UCL and climate expert, examined the impact of environmental developments on geopolitics and how climate change may affect international security and future conflicts.
Second day: democracy, extremism and demographic geopolitics
The second day focused on the political and social aspects of security:
1. The state of democracy in the world
Major Luk Sanders of the RHID examined the state of global democracy, a key issue in understanding the risks of political instability and their impact on international security.
2. Discussion on political extremism
A discussion session allowed participants to debate international relations with autocratic regimes, covering areas such as trade, defence, research and development, and energy dependency.
3. The role of demography in contemporary geopolitics
Bruno Masquelier (UCL) presented the links between demography and geopolitics, pointing out that demographic trends have a direct impact on the international balance of power.
Relevance of this seminar to the High Studies for Security and Defence
The October 2024 seminar perfectly reflects the multidisciplinary approach of the HSSD. Renowned experts from key sectors provide essential training in understanding the complex dynamics governing international security. Lectures are followed by discussions, enabling participants to compare ideas and enrich their strategic vision.
High Studies for Security and Defence enable their participants to forge lasting links, while deepening their knowledge of contemporary global challenges. This gives them the tools they need to tackle their professional responsibilities effectively, in sectors as diverse as national security, defence and international cooperation.
Essential training for tomorrow’s leaders
The HSSD residential seminar in October 2024 illustrates once again the importance of training decision-makers capable of dealing with global crises. By tackling subjects as vast as artificial intelligence, crime and democracy, HSSD provides its auditors with an in-depth understanding of global issues and prepares them to become key players in security and defence.
Would you like to enhance your skills in security and defence while joining a network of high-level experts? Applications for the next session of the High Studies for Security and Defence (HSSD) are now open!
Apply today and be part of tomorrow’s leaders.
Session 2024-2025
