Postgraduate Program (M.A.)
“Geopolitics, Communication and New Technologies” (GCNT)
In collaboration with the Hellenic Institute for Strategic Studies
The Postgraduate Program (PGP) GCNT M.A. (Geopolitics, Communication and New Technologies) is a product of the synergy of the European Institute of Communication with the Hellenic Institute for Strategic Studies (HELISS). The Postgraduate Programs of the Institute have ISO as well as equivalence from DOATAP (ECI – Austrian Public Higher Education Institution: Donau Universität Krems).
Modern technology has long since made the world smaller with interdependent lines of power. The syllabus of the Master of Arts in Geopolitical Communication and New Technologies – GCNT M.A. aims to give a broad direct or indirect knowledge in critical fields related to a wide range of interests and professions. These concern both the educated citizen, as well as the market executive, the policymaker, the diplomat, and the government or security official.
There can be no economic, business, investment, academic or cultural activity today, without a basic familiarity with the theory of international relations, the wider and local geopolitical developments, the security environment, communication and currently evolving technology that is catalytically affecting every activity.
With security being a prerequisite for any individual development ambition, there can be no public, private or corporate act without a strategic planning culture, the ability to negotiate and enter into partnerships, as well as readiness to deal with emergencies and crises.
The executives of each company / organization / body must know basic principles of exercising leadership. In this context and implementing the many years of experience of the Collaborating Bodies “Hellenic Institute for Strategic Studies” and “European Communication Institute”, an effort is made to combine the knowledge of the academics and the experience / skills of the Special Teaching Staff coming from the Armed Forces, Diplomacy, Market and Policy Making – with their long experiential experience on the subjects they develop.
In addition to the theoretical acquaintance with geopolitics and the interpretation of international developments of global interest (e.g. continents, great powers, alliances, ideologies, coalitions, etc.), emphasis is placed on the geopolitical position of Greece, in the past and present, in order to determine the main national axes of the future national strategy and security. In the same context, the essential tools of international relations are provided, such as relevant theories, schools of thought and analysis, the international order, security and economy, international law and dispute resolution mechanisms, the law of armed conflicts, etc. to be able to evaluate data, to assess mega-trends and finally to make educated and usable predictions, with a realistic reading of each change at micro and macro level.
Since Greece (like most states) participates in international organizations and alliances, this two-way relationship and its impact on national interests, the economy, society and wider international competition is one of the focus areas of the curriculum.
In this context, basic theoretical knowledge of strategy, communication, military strategy, deterrence and appeasement, modern media, as well as leadership models and leadership models is provided. The theoretical approach to the strategy is complemented by a thorough examination of historical periods of special interest, focusing on each leader, the timing and quality of his decision-making, the influencing factors in decision-making, as well as the resulting relevant conclusions. At the same time, the aim is to get acquainted with the factors of national power, national interests and goals, including the peculiarities of Greece’s accession and operation in the European Union and other international formations.
In addition, the current Greek reality as shaped by Greek-Turkish relations, the Cyprus problem, the combination of demographic and migration issues, the impact of the Balkan area, the Diaspora, the degree of national cohesion and the national identity of Greece are examined. Energy issues are analysed and commercial activity in combination with monetary relations, public debt, foreign investment, as well as research and innovation are examined.
Focusing on geography and the development of maritime power, extensive reference is made to high technology and defence industry as development pillars, and administrative state preparedness for coordination and timely response to development requirements is examined. These include tourism, leisure and culture.
The curriculum of the PGP (M.A.) also includes key elements of the theory and practice of diplomacy and interstate negotiations. The theoretical approach is complemented by selected case studies as well as a negotiation game with the participation of students. Diplomacy, basic negotiation training and crisis response concern all trainees. Therefore, the curriculum includes the theory and practice of defence and security crisis management. Strategic crisis management planning, decision-making processes, applied analyses are developed and special Simulation Laboratories are implemented.
In addition to young graduates (with a first university degree, e.g. Bachelor’s), there are several executives in the fields of diplomacy, international relations, armed and security forces, transnational journalism, etc., who have degrees in social sciences and want an education / postgraduate degree related to their professional subject, expanding their familiarity with New Technologies.
The Master of Arts program in Geopolitics, Communication and New Technologies is bilingual, in Greek / English. The ideal candidate has the formal qualifications, has a successful professional tenure or good performance in his first degree, speaks good English and is judged positively during the relevant interview.
The program lasts 2 years (4 semesters of attendance). A diploma thesis and physical presence are required both at the UWK (former DUK) premises, in Krems (Vienna), as well as at the training sessions (courses, workshops) in Athens. Between courses, the students undertake exercises / applied assignments that they perform with the assistance of the services and laboratories of the European Communication Institute.
