This two-week summer school explores the evolving cultures of security shaping contemporary transatlantic relations and their global context. The perceptions, preferences, and resulting politics and policies of security are at the center of contemporary democratic debates throughout Europe and North America (indeed globally). Security in this sense does not focus exclusively on traditional issues of armies and alliances, but rather encompasses a much larger definition including social stability, environmental sustainability, economic vitality, challenges of inclusion and diversity, and ultimately identities and how they inform the perception and the practice of politics. The results of national elections in America, Germany, Great Britain, France, Poland and other countries underscore how perceptions of security dominate national and by extension international agendas. These are not temporary or cyclical issues, but a generational agenda that will inform the unfolding of global politics for decades to come.

The summer school is structured by a trans-disciplinary approach involving experts from political science, history, sociology, cultural studies and economics. It will involve integrating contemporary case studies that will be further enriched by exploring diverse international relations concepts such as realism, liberalism, constructivism, and critical theory. Substantial empirical and conceptual learning will be integrated with applied learning as teams of participants prepare policy proposals centered around real world case-studies, with results being presented by students in „international summit simulations“. The resulting learning and sustained practice of a range of critical skills for international professionals will enrich and empower students interested in careers ranging from public policy, international organizations, government agencies, higher education, think tanks, and the international private sector. Special highlights of the summer school include theme-based seminars such as the Dresden Seminar (war and society), the Weimar Seminar (politics and society), and the Colditz Seminar (law and security). The unique place of Leipzig in international politics, such as the Peaceful Revolution of 1989, will also be part of the cultural and educational program of the summer school.