Sixty selected University students, researchers and young professionals, coming from different academic backgrounds, attended the second edition of the “New Transatlantic Relations: International Organizations and Security Challenges” (NTR), an intense Study Course organized by the Italian Atlantic Committee and the Consules Association. The NTR Course took place concurrently in Rome and Milan on 26-30 November 2012.
The Italian Atlantic Committee promoted the NTR Course in the framework of its educational programs and activities aimed at the new generation.
The NTR Course was held over five consecutive days followed by a study period that will end with the presentation of reports on the occasion of the 58^ General Assembly of the Atlantic Treaty Association (ATA) scheduled in Rome between 4 and 6 February 2013.
The teaching staff was composed by University professors, scholars, military officers and security experts.
During the first part of the NTR Course, participants were provided with the theoretical tools for a broader understanding of the mechanisms of the international security organizations.
The evolution of the NATO Strategic Concept, as well as the role of NATO and the EU in crisis management and fostering “cooperative security” through their partnership programs, were also addressed with particular reference to the Mediterranean region.
Moreover, the NTR Course focused on the impact of the economic and financial crisis on the international relations, energy security and the security and defense sector.
Lastly, in parallel with the regular lessons, the NTR Course will include a set of practical activities, such as the visit to the NATO Rapid Deployable Corps-Italy, the Italian Joint Operations Headquarters, and the setting up of working groups in charge of drafting reports to be presented during the 58^ ATA General Assembly that will group all the 60 selected participants in the NTR Course.
Presentations and relevant documents of the NTR Course will be available on the web sites of the Italian Atlantic Committee and Consules Association.
The NTR Course aims:
- To provide participants with useful analytical tools for a wider understanding of the main questions related to international security;
- To strengthen the communication and leadership abilities of the participants;
- To facilitate the practical application of concepts, information and negotiation techniques acquired during the NTR Course;
- To contribute to an active involvement of the new generations in the debate on the perspectives of the international security, with a particular attention to the Mediterranean region.