In the last few years, the field of transformative technologies has expanded at a dizzying rate. While scientific advances can offer untold benefits to humanity, they also pose a myriad of thorny questions about equality, ethics, security – and our very existence. 

The course provides a thorough and analytical overview of how transformative technologies are shaping various sectors, their ethical and security considerations, and how they might impact future conflicts. Through a blend of lectures delivered by international experts, group activities and participant-led discussions, the course creates an engaging environment that encourages participants to delve into this challenging subject and foster an understanding of transformative technologies' potential to profoundly influence humanity's future.

Learning objectives

This course examines the latest developments in transformative technologies, including but not limited to Artificial Intelligence (AI), autonomous weapons, Big Data, and virtual reality. It examines the short and long-term ramifications of these technologies in today’s interconnected world. 

Participants will develop four key competences:

• define and understand the impact of transformative technologies;
• analyse the impact of such technologies on questions of moral philosophy and global security;
• adopt critical thinking skills for analysing the impact of transformative technologies;
• identify key future risks and debates surrounding advances in these technologies.

Confirmed speakers

• Ms Christina Orisich, Deputy Executive Director and Director of Executive Education, GCSP
• Professor Nayef Al-Rodhan, Head of the Geopolitics and Global Futures Programme, GCSP
• Ms Prisca Quadroni-Renella, CEO, AI Legal & Strategy Consulting AG, Zurich, Switzerland
• Dr Neil Renic, Researcher, Centre for Military Studies, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
• Dr Markus Schmidt, Founder and Team Leader, Biofaction, Vienna, Austria
• Mr Gazmend Huskaj, Head of Cybersecurity, GCSP
• Dr Mauro Gilli, Senior Researcher in Military Technology and International Security, Center for Security Studies, ETH Zurich, Switzerland
• Captain James E. Fanell, GCSP Government Fellow

Course requirements

All information you need to know (language, certification, technical and application process) before applying to the GCSP are available here.

You will receive a GCSP certificate once you have completed all the course modules to the satisfaction of the course director.

The Symposium is designed for officials from governments and international organisations, as well as members of the security and defence policy planning and the intelligence communities. This course is also relevant to representatives from the private sector and nongovernmental organisations, journalists, and anyone with a professional interest in understanding future international security challenges.

The GCSP reserves the right to modify the programme dates, location and fee at any time.
15% Early-Bird Discount if you apply before 18 September 2023. GCSP Alumni qualify for a 20% discount on the standard rate of 250 CHF.