Senior Executives in National and International Security

Program Overview

Advance your leadership skills with Harvard Kennedy School's Senior Executives in National and International Security program. This intensive one-week course is designed for senior leaders in the national and international security sectors, providing a global perspective on the most pressing security challenges. 

The Senior Executives in National and International Security program at Harvard Kennedy School offers a comprehensive global perspective on critical security issues. This one-week course, led by expert faculty, equips senior leaders with the knowledge and skills to navigate complex security challenges in today's interconnected world. Engage with top practitioners, analyze international security policies, and build a lasting network of security leaders from over 20 countries.

Under the direction of expert Harvard Kennedy School faculty and other seasoned practitioners, you will deepen your understanding of the world’s most pressing security challenges. You will also test your evaluation and decision-making skills.

Besides conducting a detailed examination of global security challenges, you will analyze international security policies with regional experts and interact with world-class faculty and leading experts in international affairs. In addition, you will build a lasting network comprised of security leaders from more than 20 countries. Past participants have risen to some the highest positions in the field, including Chairman, U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff; Chiefs of Staff in the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force; and key ministry positions and numerous ambassadorships around the world.
 

In the Senior Executives in National and International Security, you will join other global senior security officials for a range of interactions, from traditional academic learning activities to more intimate discussions and discourse. This ensures a well-rounded, hands-on educational experience.

The curriculum of the Senior Executives in National and International Security program includes a mix of formal classes, discussion groups, interactive seminars, and exercises. Key topics covered include:

• China: The Geopolitical Reality of a Rising Power
• The Global Economy
• Regional security issues, including Europe, the Middle East, and Africa
• Civilian–military relations
• Technology: Cyber, AI, space, and more
• Ethics, morality, and professional responsibility
• National security and the media

LEARNING OBJECTIVES 

The Senior Executives in National and International Security program aims to:

• Enhance understanding of geopolitical and economic realities
• Analyze regional security issues with a focus on Europe, the Middle East, and Africa
• Improve knowledge of civilian-military relations
• Explore the impact of emerging technologies (cyber, AI, space) on security
• Technology: Cyber, AI, space, and more
• Discuss ethics, morality, and professional responsibility in security roles
• Examine the relationship between national security and the media

Application Information

Faculty & Research