Within the practical component of the MA in Governance, Leadership and Democracy Studies, which combines specialised tutorials with professional engagement activities, students took part in the Inter-University Geopolitics Workshop organised by the Military University Institute (IUM), focused on the theme “New Conflict Dynamics – The (New) European Geopolitics.”

The workshop — integrated into the Estado-Maior Course — brought together faculty members, researchers, master’s and doctoral students from several academic institutions, fostering dialogue between the civilian academic community and military higher education at a time of particular importance for European security and defence. iep.lisboa.ucp.pt

The opening session featured remarks by the Commander of the IUM, Vice-Admiral Vizinha Mirones, who emphasised the relevance of the initiative and the need to understand the structural transformations in the current security landscape. This was followed by the inaugural lecture by Professors Luís Tomé and Carlos Gaspar, who outlined the main contemporary geopolitical challenges. 

Throughout the day, IEP students joined working groups composed of military auditors and students from invited institutions. These groups analysed topics such as the return of war to Europe, hybrid conflict dynamics, risks to the cohesion of the European project, and the challenges to strategic autonomy. In the final session, each group presented conclusions underscoring the importance of an integrated understanding of politics, society, and the military instrument.

This participation is part of the practical and experiential component of the Master’s programme, which includes: 

Weekly tutorials: regular small-group meetings with a professor, offering personalised guidance on students’ research topics.

Networking activities: direct contact with alumni and leading professionals.

Visits to relevant institutions in Lisbon: enabling students to deepen their applied knowledge and understanding of organisations connected to governance, security, and public policy. iep.lisboa.ucp.pt

Through initiatives such as this workshop, the IEP reinforces its commitment to delivering rigorous, applied education closely connected to real-world contexts, preparing its students to operate in a world marked by increasing complexity and ongoing geopolitical challenges.