Introduction

The contemporary global security landscape is undergoing profound transformations, marked by the convergence of traditional threats and emerging, non-traditional challenges. From violent extremism and asymmetric warfare to the weaponization of information and the strategic implications of climate change and migration, the domain of international peace and security demands critical rethinking and innovative responses.

The International Peace and Security (IPS) Summer Course at CIPS-NUST provides a platform for scholars, practitioners, and emerging professionals to engage in cross-disciplinary dialogue and strategic learning. This year’s course draws on diverse lectures that reflect the evolving nature of global security threats and peacebuilding approaches, emphasizing inclusivity, non-traditional security, and multilateralism.

Key sessions explore soft approaches to countering violent extremism, reconfiguring counter-terrorism strategies, and the legal and ethical dimensions of human security and migration. The course also interrogates the risks of militarizing development aid, especially in post-conflict contexts, and highlights the importance of feminist and inclusive frameworks for sustainable peace. The course further engages with shifting regional and global power dynamics, the evolution of peacekeeping operations, and the rise of hybrid threats, cyber warfare, and strategic competition in the digital age.

By engaging with these diverse yet interlinked themes, the IPS Summer Course seeks to equip participants with the analytical tools, policy insights, and ethical frameworks necessary to navigate and contribute meaningfully to the complex field of international peace and security.

Objectives

• Provide a multidisciplinary understanding of contemporary and emerging threats to international peace and security.
• Examine the effectiveness and limitations of existing counter-terrorism and peacebuilding frameworks.
• Explore alternative and inclusive approaches to security, such as feminist peacebuilding, climate diplomacy, and human-centric security.
• Analyze regional security dynamics within the broader context of global strategic shifts, particularly in South Asia.
• Enhance participants’ understanding of hybrid threats, strategic communication, and the role of media and perception in modern conflicts.
• Foster informed dialogue on the future of international peace operations, drawing from real-world missions and evolving mandates.

Methodology

Our pedagogical approach has been meticulously customized to closely align with the specific learning outcomes of the course, thereby guaranteeing an educational experience that is impeccably structured for utmost efficacy. The course will incorporate a blend of interactive lectures, engaging discussions, and thought-provoking guest lectures delivered by esteemed national and international experts in the realm of peace and security. Participants will be actively encouraged to participate in discussions, fostering an enriched learning environment that enhances their educational experience.

Target Audience

The IPS Course (2025) presents a unique opportunity for students and professionals from diverse academic backgrounds to engage with the complex peace and security issues. The course is open to undergraduate and graduate students, early-career professionals, researchers, and anyone interested in deepening their knowledge and understanding of peace and security issues.

Duration and Venue

The course will span two weeks, from 14^th July to 25^th July, 2025, and will be held at the Centre for International Peace and Stability (CIPS), NUST, H-12 Campus, Islamabad. The venue offers a conducive learning environment along with the necessary facilities to support interactive sessions and networking opportunities. Limited single-occupancy accommodation, on a chargeable basis, will be available at NUST for participants joining from outside Islamabad.

Certification

Participants who successfully fulfill the course requirements, including active participation, will be awarded a Certificate of Completion. NUST students who complete the IPS Summer Course will also be eligible for the award of 2.0 credit hours. Please note that a minimum of 75% attendance is mandatory for issuing the certificate.

Detailed Program of IPS 2025

Click here for Detailed Program of IPS 2025

Registration

Please Register at: https://forms.gle/XoQ3fuK1Fs4yYStCA

For further inquiries, please contact:

Mr Uzair Sheikh | Assistant Director (Administration & Examination), CIPS-NUST
Mobile: 0312-5236357 | Office: 051- 90856803 | Email: [email protected]

Dr Humaira Shafi | Assistant Professor, CIPS-NUST
Office: 051-90856791 | Email: [email protected]