Our Summer Programme is designed to give students from around the world a taste of graduate studies in the field of international affairs.
Courses are taught by our world-renowned faculty in the heart of International Geneva. This dynamic setting provides students with unparalleled access to international organisations and enriching opportunities to discuss with field experts.
The Summer Programme combines:
- morning lectures in which participants will gain insight into humanitarian action, peace and security, UN policy agendas, digital technologies and democracy ;
- afternoon activities such as visits to international organisations, networking events and workshops.
Participants can earn 3 ECTS credits per week attended in a choice of 6 modules :
Directed by Davide Rodogno
This module deals with the ever-controversial issue of humanitarian actions and interventions, then and now: from the colonial to the post-colonial period, from a West-centric perspective to a poly-centric one. The week alternates exchanges with practitioners working for humanitarian organisations and scholars expert in various disciplines: from international law to political sciences, from history to anthropology. Who are the humanitarians, what do they do? How? For how long? What are their motivations? What does the geography of humanitarian actions tell us? What is the difference between actions and interventions? Are the actors the same? Are the motives the same? These are some of the questions the module will answer to.
Directed by Ugo Panizza
This new module delves into the complexities of economic globalization and the emerging trends of fragmentation, offering participants a comprehensive understanding of global economic dynamics. Through a combination of expert lectures, interactive discussions, and field visits, the module covers key topics such as trade, financial globalization, debt in developing countries, sustainable finance, and international investment. The programme begins with a deep dive into global trade and its implications for economic integration. Financial globalization and its impacts are explored alongside sessions on geoeconomics, and finance, offering participants a nuanced view of how global forces shape financial systems and policymaking. The module also addresses pressing issues such as debt in developing countries, highlighting challenges and strategies for sustainable growth.
Directed by Achim Wennmann
This Programme reviews the UN’s history and foundations, studies current policy agendas, and reflects on the UN’s future role in a changing world. It invites students to join a discovery of this unique organisation and proposes a nuanced and at the same time practical understanding of the multiple roles the UN is playing at the heart of today’s international cooperation.
Directed by Davide Rodogno
This module examines the evolution of diplomacy from its traditional state-led configuration and processes to the new emerging set of issues and actors shaping the plural new diplomacies. Through a combination of conceptual and practical sessions, participants go through a deep-dive into these fast-changing issues, with particular attention to new spaces of diplomatic engagement, technological tools and expanding multistakeholder governance.
Directed by Jérôme Duberry
This module explores the transformative effects of digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) on international relations and democratic systems. Participants will engage with critical topics such as the proliferation of disinformation, the challenges of AI governance and regulation, outer space security concerns, and the evolving landscape of digital diplomacy. Designed for those eager to understand and address the intersection of technology, democracy, and international affairs, this programme fosters informed leadership in a rapidly changing world.
Directed by Delidji Eric Degila
This new module will explore how the global governance of complex and intertwined challenges such as human mobility, global health, or social justice is reshaped in an evolving world. A particular emphasis will be put on the growing role and influence of actors often portrayed as "subaltern" players, notably Africa. New international arrangements to address transnational challenges will be discussed, including issues related to intellectual property, pandemics preparedness or forced migration. To this end, successful innovative partnerships will be explored to tackle global challenges by bringing together public and private actors.
Applicants are expected to be proficient in English, although English language certificates are not required.
APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2025 SUMMER PROGRAMME EDITION WILL OPEN SOON.
Registration to :
Participation in the programme will be confirmed upon payment of the tuition fees.
Unfortunately, the Institute cannot provide any financial support for participation in the summer programme. Expenses such as accommodation and food are not covered in the tuition fees; participants are responsible for these costs.
Sarah Manierka
Summer Programme Coordinator
summeraffairs@graduateinstitute.ch
022 908 43 93