Institute for Higher National Defence Studies Defence Foreign policy Armaments and defence economics Train Increase awareness Disseminate information Yesterday, history In 1948, the Institute for Higher National Defence Studies (IHEDN, Institut des hautes études de défense nationale) succeeded the National Defence College of Higher Education (Collège des hautes études de défense nationale), founded by Admiral Castex in 1936. The purpose of that governmentlevel institute was to train senior civil servants and military officials in preparation for and conduct of the war, in a vision extending beyond the purely military framework. The IHEDN then saw its mission evolve in the light of changes to the doctrine of France s defence. With the coming of the Fifth Republic, the Institute became the place where a comprehensive and permanent defence policy was explained. The priority was no longer to train specialists but to initiate government and private sector executives in defence issues. As a result of a strategy conducted under the aegis of the concept of comprehensive defence, the IHEDN was placed under the purview of the prime minister in 1979. It became the centre for spreading a spirit of defence. In 1997, the Institute for Higher National Defence Studies became a public administrative body with legal status and financial independence. Thus, over the years, the Institute has responded to the nature of warfare and to the demands put upon the nation against the backdrop of increasing globalisation. Regional sessions were added to the national session (1954), international sessions (1980), economic intelligence sessions (1995), seminars for young people (1996), targeted seminars and activities in support of research into defence matters (1998). It is one of the forerunners of the European Security and Defence College (2004). today, a re-modelled Institute In 2008, the French ambition to continue to live freely and in peace in a world of relative powers undergoing re-structuring, led to the defining of the national security concept. The aim of this strategy is to provide responses to all the risks and threats likely to adversely affect the life of the nation. This new situation naturally affected the Institute and strengthened the need for its existence. It was reorganised into a "defence/foreign affairs" centre as called for in the White paper on defence and national security published in 2008, before diversifying and opening up nationally and internationally. Its fields of competence focused on issues of defence, security, foreign policy, armaments and defence economics. In January 2010, the Institute merged with the Centre for Higher Armaments Studies (CHEAr), contributed to training organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) and moved closer to the National Institute for Higher Studies in Security and Justice (INHESJ). With its strengthened identity, the new IHEDN is a centre for high-level training, reflection and debate on strategic issues, open to the world and anchored in a European context. The White Paper on defence and national security published in 2013, confirms the major role of the IHEDN interdepartmental platform, in training and raising awareness of defence and national security issues across the national territory, in contact with public and private leaders, and with young people.
An influential tool at the service of European and international responsibility, the Institute is also consolidating its function of support for research to enable the further dissemination of French strategic thinking. Thanks to its history, the IHEDN places its action firmly within its founding mission of strengthening national cohesion thanks to the promotion across the nation of a culture of defence and national security. with an extended remit On issues of defence, foreign policy, armaments and defence economics. In this connection, the Institute brings together high-level managers from the civil service and the military as well as from the various business sectors of the nation, from EU member states and other countries, with a view to deepening their shared knowledge on issues of defence, foreign policy, armaments and defence economics. Furthermore, it contributes to the promotion and dissemination of all useful knowledge in the three areas that it covers. To this end, it cooperates with other bodies responsible for the dissemination of knowledge relating to defence matters and foreign policy, in particular, universities and research centres. Numerous adapted training programmes For more than 75 years, through the diversity of its training and its civilian and military auditors, both French and foreign, the IHEDN is a place where knowledge, awareness and expertise are disseminated. Depending on the areas they deal with, these training programmes take place in national "Defence policy" and "Armaments and defence economics" sessions, in regional sessions, in European courses and international sessions. The Institute also organises targeted sessions, aimed at various audiences, members of Parliament, local elected officials, magistrates, préfets, young people between the ages of 20 and 30, students from universities and the "grandes écoles" as well as issue-specific training such as economic intelligence and the civil/military management of external crises. Every year, all the activities related to training, awareness and expertise of the Institute involve approximately 10,000 auditors and participants. Original teaching Of a duration compatible with operational responsibilities at a high level, training is based on sharing the experiences of senior managers from public service or civil society that go beyond socioprofessional and national segmentation. This inductive teaching is based on a threefold approach: - "committee work" where complementarity materialises; - "conferences/debates" during which high level participants get to speak; - "visits and study missions" in the field, giving a practical slant to the education provided. Decision making "scenario" exercises in a strategic environment and the collective writing of "position papers" complete the teaching. Study themes are defined using areas of current affairs, dealt with from defence, foreign policy, armaments and defence economic policy angles. Institute for Higher National Defence Studies 1 place Joffre, 75700 Paris SP 07 Communication Adviser, Linda Thisse: +33 (0)1 44 42 54 15/+33 (0)6 77 13 70 29 / linda.thisse@ihedn.fr
National sessions The national "Defence policy" and "Armaments and defence economics" sessions aim at deepening the understanding of senior managers on defence issues, foreign policy, armaments and defence economics. They are intended for a very wide-ranging socio-professional audience. However diversification is a measure of the "cross fertilisation" achieved through discussion between experienced auditors and those who ensure the provision of room for collective reflection and debates on ideas. Activities alternate between lectures given by senior defence managers, the armaments industry and authorities renowned in their field, committee work calling for strategic reflection, scenario workshops and study missions in France or abroad. During their training, auditors are made aware of security issues through modules in common with auditors from the INHESJ. The lists of auditors, approved by the Prime Minister, are published in the Journal officiel. The national "Defence policy" session This training aims at deepening auditors understanding of issues of defence and foreign policy. It takes place in Paris between September and June. It comprises some one hundred auditors, French and foreign, aged 35 or over, coming from four professional areas: - officers from the three armed forces, the national gendarmerie, the DGA (Direction Générale de l Armement, the French General Directorate for Armament) and the administration; - senior civil servants; - executives and directors from various sectors of economic life; - "qualified" persons: elected representatives, the media, managers of associations, trade unions, professional bodies, and so on. The annual activities are spread over 50 half-days of study, usually organised as all day Friday plus Saturday morning, plus 30 days of study assignments in France or abroad, i.e. a total of 55 days of training. The national "Armaments and defence economics" sessions The aim of this training is to extend auditors understanding of problems relating to the field of armaments and defence economics in the context of national security strategy. They take place in Paris between September and June on Thursdays and Fridays. Every year, they bring together some fifty top level French and foreign executives, representatives of the DGA, the Ministry of Defence, the administration, defence industry directors and also representatives from civil society. The total duration of the training is approximately 65 days. Centred on armaments issues and more generally defence, with particular emphasis given to defence economics and European construction, this training provides a better knowledge of the industrial defence environment and strengthens links between its various components.
Regional training sessions Regional sessions Regional sessions are intended to make auditors aware, promote a defence and national security culture, and even to improve their knowledge on these subjects and also international issues. The audience comes from a wide spectrum, in order to optimise the necessary collective awareness of defence and security issues by French society. Since 1954, four regional sessions have been organised each year right across the country, including overseas departments and territories. They are made up of between 55-80 auditors, aged over 30, half of which come from the public, military and civil sector and the other half from the private sector. Activities take place over four periods of four days of work, spread over six weeks, followed by two closing days. Mondays are kept free, to allow auditors to meet their professional commitments. Recruitment takes place four to six months prior to the start of each session. Candidates may register at their prefecture (Inter-ministerial defence and civil protection department). They may also upload their registration files to the Institute s web site The list of auditors, approved by the Prime Minister, is published in the Journal official. IHEDN-Young People's Seminars (ref: Training for young people ) Four seminars a year, organised in the Paris region, in the provinces and overseas, bring together approximately 80 young people of baccalaureate level or higher. Over a week, these young people, coming from higher education or professional life, familiarise themselves with defence and international relations problems, in the same way and via the same educational process experienced by their elders, based on the three pillars: lectures/debates, committee work and visits. The seminars are organised to include overnight stays, so as to promote cohesion. Seminars for the "Local elected officials" (ref: Specialist seminars ) Local elected officials, whether mayors, municipal, general or regional councillors, and elected members of the consular chambers, by virtue of the responsibilities that they exercise and their devotion to service in the local authority, constitute a link in the chain, which it is essential to inform of the realities and issues involved in defence. These seminars are organised by regional associations, which are the voice of the IHEDN in the heart of the French provinces.
International activities In partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) and the Ministry of Defence, the IHEDN organises international sessions on Defence policy and Armaments and Defence economy, bilateral seminars intended for top level foreign, civilian and military managers and seminars in civilian/military management of external crises. The aim is to invite the foreign auditors to reflect on and discuss issues of security and defence, foreign policy, and defence economics in their own regions, and to familiarise them with the French and European visions of these issues. All the Institute s international and European actions contribute towards the dissemination of French strategic thinking. International sessions (IS) "Defence policy" IS Since 1980, these international sessions, organised with the security and defence cooperation department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aim at training top level civil servants, general and flag officers, ambassadors, academics and journalists in issues relating to defence policy. The high level of the auditors optimises the influence-spreading effect. Recruitment is conducted with the support of the French embassy in each of the countries concerned. They take place each year over eight days, based on the following activities: - the IHEDN forum on the African continent (Fica) which welcomes some fifty representatives from that continent s countries; - the international Euro-Mediterranean session (Siem) which brings together some forty auditors from most of the countries on either side of the Mediterranean; - the international Asia/Middle East session (Siamo) which provides a unique opportunity to bring together auditors from these two geographical areas; - the international Latin America session (Sial) which brings together around thirty auditors from Central and South America and the Caribbean. "Armaments and defence economy" IS Since 1994, in partnership with the Ministry of Defence and, for some sessions, with the support of the MAE, they bring together foreign auditors with top level government or industrial responsibilities, coming from a single geographical area. They provide auditors with information, to help them assess the methods and functioning of bodies responsible for carrying out defence equipment programmes. They revolve around the consideration of armaments issues in their geo-political, strategic, economic and industrial context.
Held annually, they take the form of two specific types of training: - The international "armaments and defence economy" sessions (IS) bring together approximately fifteen top managers from foreign armaments industries over five days. These sessions initiate them in the French armaments purchasing process and present the French defence industry to them. Four areas are covered: Latin America (Siamlat), Central Asia and the Caucasus (SIEA), the Middle East (Simo) and Southeast Asia (Siase). - The "Defence Equipment Procurement International Sessions" (DEPIS) provide a (at least) 5-day in depth training in armament procurement programmes. They are aimed at programme directors within State purchasing bodies. They take place alternately for the Balkans, the Caucasus and Central Asian countries or for Latin American countries. Bilateral seminars These form part of the bilateral cooperation and international development policy. They are strategic reflection seminars, organised jointly with counterpart institutes in France s partner countries. They are aimed at high level civil and military auditors. As international sessions do, bilateral seminars contribute to the dissemination of French strategic thinking in foreign policy and defence economics. They take place alternately in France and in the partner country (Brazil, United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, Poland, Qatar, Russia). European activities The European Security and Defence College (ESDC) Composed of the national institutes of Member States and placed under the authority of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, it aims to provide training in the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). These courses stand at a strategic level, and are organised for the staff of Member States, acceding countries and European institutions. They are also open to nationals of third countries by invitation. IHEDN represents France on the Executive Academic Board, which is the academic body of the ESDC. At the request of the French ministries involved in the CSPD, its mission is to organise training modules that strengthen the common vision in terms of CSDP. These modules take the form of specialised courses on topics such as the fight against piracy, the fight against proliferation, capability development, civil/military management of external crises, etc. The IHEDN knowledge-sharing seminar in Brussels Every year since 2009, the Institute has organised a one-day seminar in Brussels. The spirit of the seminar is to identify synergies between the common security and defence policy and an area of the work done by the European Commission. It strengthens the position of the Institute in the European debate on security and defence issues.
The European session for armaments managers (Sera) Held annually since 1989, this session brings together around sixty top managers in European administrations and industry, involved in armaments issues, over a period of four months, one week a month. It takes particular account of the diversity of professional experience. Sera develops a better mutual understanding, promotes European awareness and constitutes a network with the aim of being involved in topics relating to armaments policy. It is now recognised as the training at a European level, under the patronage of the AED. Other activities related to promoting knowledge and expertise in the area of armaments take place in various formats. The Eurostamp seminar (European Seminar for top Armaments Manager Personnel) Organised in partnership with the Bundeswehr Federal Academy in Mannheim, each year, it brings together some twenty top level European managers (general officers and civilian equivalents) for an information and discussion meeting. Ideaa cooperation (International Defence Education and Acquisition Arrangement). Since 1989, this has brought together universities and defence/armaments academies from the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Sweden, and Australia to promote discussions in the field of armaments. This cooperation results in study projects conducted jointly and, in particular, in an annual seminar, organised in turn by the institutions from the four main countries, including the IHEDN. A training course in the civil-military management of external crises (ref: Training in the civil/military management of external crises ) Among the training modules provided on civil/military management of external crises, a specific course is organised within the European Security and Defence College (ESDC). It is open to participants from the 28 countries of the European Union. It addresses the issue of the management of external crises at European level.
Economic intelligence training Created by the Institute in 1995, economic and strategic intelligence training is a response to the necessity to integrate problems linked to the management of information, a strategic raw material, in the concerns of those involved in economic matters. The aim is to raise awareness in the area of economic and strategic intelligence (ESI) among executives and managers in private and public companies and government. The aim of this training is to take on board economic intelligence concepts and also to allow participants to undertake or continue in-depth thinking on the structure of their companies or their administrations and on the nature of their relations with their environment. The "Economic and strategic intelligence" courses (ESI) There are three courses scheduled each year. They take place over seven Fridays spread over two consecutive months and each of them has approximately 25 participants. These courses are based around thematic modules. They consist of lectures/debates, illustrated by accounts from professionals, exercises and practical examples, led by specialists in the subjects tackled. Issue-specific "Economic intelligence" seminars Six seminars are organised every year and they allow participants, already informed in the subject, to have a better understanding of aspects of ESI. Lasting for two days, these seminars are the opportunity for participants, restricted in number, to fine-tune their knowledge through practical case studies on such topics as lobbying, crisis management and surveillance. Seminars on "Economic security and the protection of national assets" These underline the reality and extent of the threats in political, military, economic, scientific and industrial areas, and also the extent of the damage that they could cause to companies and the nation as a whole. They make participants aware of the risk of intrusions with which they might be confronted, as they go about their business. They present the defensive and offensive responses planned at government level to counter such threats. Three seminars are organised every year specifically in partnership with the National Agency for the Security of Information Systems (Anssi), the General Directorate of External Security (DGSE), the Central Directorate for Internal Intelligence (DCRI) and the Directorate for the Protection of Defence Security (DPSD). Around twenty people take part in each of these seminars, which last two days. The aim is to promote an awareness of economic security issues in executives in the administration, public establishments, higher education, research and the private sector.
Training in the civil/military management of external crises Training in the civil/military management of external crises is a response to the necessity to strengthen the expertise of those involved, public or private sector, in the management of modern crises, since this management can no longer be done from a single civil or military viewpoint. It is also aimed at instigating among them a "culture of dialogue" through better mutual knowledge and understanding. The aim is to train, in the inter-ministerial area of the "comprehensive approach", those who might be called upon to exercise their responsibilities in the management of external crises (whether of a political nature or following a natural disaster) or who are already in such a position in a country in crisis: civilian and military executives from ministries, administrations, public and private organisations, international organisations (state or nonstate) and companies. Six of these two-day training courses are organised every year, along various lines. - course in awareness of the concept of civilian/military management of external crises. - course in increased awareness, with a varying dominant theme, such as sectoral crisis management policies, the reform of security systems (RSS) or the disarmament demobilisation re-insertion (DDR) process. The role of private companies, still too often underestimated, whereas, in reality, it is essential in the management of external crises, is addressed during every course and is also the subject of a special session; - specialisation course with practical exercises, using actual or virtual scenarios of external crises; - Course in awareness organized in Brussels within the European Security and Defence College (ESDC), open to participants from the 28 countries of the European Union for a focus on the management of external crises at EU level. The courses are all led by top-level civilian and military personalities. Considerable time is reserved for accounts given by public and private managers, who have had to manage an external crisis in the field.
Training for young people The Institute takes an interest in young people, whether they are students or young professionals. Their personal commitment and the responsibilities, which they already have or will have, make them a prime target audience. The IHEDN therefore developed training directed specifically at them, provided since 1980 for students in universities and the grandes écoles and since 1996, for young people, students or professionals aged between twenty and thirty. The aim is to make them aware of the major issues and challenges in defence and to contribute towards the construction of a republican pact that binds all French people to the State. IHEDN-Young People's Seminars (ditto Regional training sessions ) Four seminars a year, organised in the Paris region, in the provinces and overseas, bring together approximately 80 young people of baccalaureate level or higher. Over a week, these young people, coming from higher education or professional life, familiarise themselves with defence and international relations problems, in the same way and via the same educational process experienced by their elders, based on the three pillars: lectures/debates, committee work and visits. The seminars are organised to include overnight stays, so as to promote cohesion. "Defence/Geopolitics" Masters 2 seminars These seminars, organised at the Ecole Militaire, bring together approximately 80 students at masters 2 level. "Defence-Geopolitics". Prepared in collaboration with the academic staff, they constitute a deepening of and practical complement to their university education. They take place three times a year and each one lasts a week. They comprise lectures/debates, committee work and discussions with senior officers from the armed forces and the gendarmerie, and also a visit to an operational unit. Registration is via Masters course managers in the IHEDN s partner universities. The "Grandes Ecoles" seminar Over four days, this seminar brings together around one hundred students from the top military schools and state bodies, and also from elite business and engineering schools (ENS, HEC, Polytechnique, etc.). This annual training has the aim of allowing the nation's future top executives to meet each other and reflect together on problems and issues relating to defence. "National cohesion and citizenship" seminar Created in 2006, this seminar encourages a reflection and discussion of citizenship issues and the dissemination of the spirit of defence within the nation. It is aimed particularly at young executives in associations in the private and public sectors, as well as at young elected representatives and teachers who exercise their responsibilities in districts in Île-de-France. It is held annually and takes place over six days at the École Militaire.
Specialist seminars Depending on the current situation and on demand, the Institute is able to provide adapted seminars, in particular as part of continuous training and in collaboration with companies. Seminars for "Local elected officials" (ditto Regional training sessions ) Local elected officials, whether mayors, municipal, general or regional councillors, and elected members of the consular chambers, by virtue of the responsibilities that they exercise and their devotion to service in the local authority, constitute a link in the chain, which it is essential to inform of the realities and issues involved in defence. These seminars are organised by regional associations, which are the voice of the IHEDN in the heart of the French provinces. The seminar for Magistrates As part of continuous training and in partnership with the French Ministry of Justice, an annual seminar is organised for around thirty top magistrates over a period of two days. The aim is to inform them about developments in threats linked to terrorism in particular and to risks of all types. The seminar for Parliamentary staff" In collaboration with the National Assembly, the Senate and the European Parliament, a two-day seminar is held for staff working with Members of Parliament and senators, to make them aware of defence issues which they might have to deal with their elected representatives. The seminar for Young diplomats" As part of the education of young trainees in the Diplomatic and Consular Institute and in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, an annual seminar is organised over a two-day period. The aim is to familiarise trainees with the military world and to present to them the tasks performed by the armed forces, the role of defence and armaments attachés, alongside of whom they will work in embassies. The seminar for Ambassadors This seminar aims to provide future leaders of diplomatic missions with information on the organisation of the Ministry of Defence, its missions and the challenges it faces. It allows these future senior civil servants, and our diplomacy, to get to know their contacts within this ministry. An iconic defence unit/training visit may be organised during the seminar. The seminar for MFA mid-career officials A first seminar is dedicated to the understanding of Reasoning and objectives methods in terms of Economic Intelligence. A second seminar is devoted to visiting an iconic military training unit for operations conducted by the Ministry of Defence. The seminar for Defence and National Security specialist teachers in universities This annual seminar takes place over one day, bringing together Defence and National Security specialist teachers in universities. It aims to provide this group with up-to-date information about issues related to defence and national security.
Support for research This is aimed at students registered in French universities who have chosen to devote their research work to defence issues, international relations, armaments and defence economics. The successful candidates are selected based on dossiers submitted to the IHEDN s scientific council, composed of academics and other qualified persons, and chaired by the IHEDN s director. This support is demonstrated by the running of two annual programmes. Financial and teaching support for doctoral students Financed by the General Secretariat for Defence and National Security (SGDSN), this is intended for students registered in social science doctoral programmes. The students selected benefit during the year from financial support that pays their research costs, in particular those relating to field trips. They also make up a team of researchers within the Institute and are therefore periodically called to meet together and discuss the progress of their work. The IHEDN s "Science awards" Created in 1998, they reward the best work done in research, masters 2 dissertations and doctoral theses defended during the year, that showcase advances in knowledge on security and defence topics and in the area of human and social sciences. The "Science awards" thus encourage research students to continue their line of scientific research. Recognition of research The Institute aims at clarifying strategic concepts and major contemporary political and strategic issues, in particular, by means of summaries of French and/or foreign thinking. It also publishes scientific articles on its web site, mainly from researchers, and distributes records of some symposia, lectures and round tables. In areas relating to its work, the Institute may conduct, alone, or in cooperation with higher education establishments or civilian and military research centres and various institutions, studies and research, particularly in areas relating to the content of its training. It may also provide support to ministries and higher education establishments.
Debating The Institute contributes to the renewal and dissemination of strategic defence thinking, to serving the whole of the national community, through symposia, round tables and monthly meetings such as "Mondays at the IHedn" or more exceptionally, depending on current affairs as "Major witnesses". Symposia and round tables The aim of symposia and round tables is to enable the Institute to participate in the strategic debate through public events but also to constitute a laboratory of ideas for the benefit of the Institute by testing the interest raised by the topics chosen. The success of the round tables may be taken up in another form (as a subject for work, ad hoc training, etc.) over a longer period. "Mondays at the IHedn" The "Mondays at the IHedn" meetings have emerged as one of the main places for public debate on strategic defence and foreign policy issues. These monthly lectures, followed by a debating session, aim to satisfy the appetite of an audience with a knowledge of the current issues presented by recognised speakers on a study topic decided on for the whole year. Major witnesses As and when international decision-makers visit Paris, the Institute hosts a special lecture and keynote speech. Sharing our ambitions The Institute created an endowment fund to help develop new areas for action: The IHEDN s circle of partners. Sponsoring allows companies to develop their social responsibility while supporting projects relevant to them. Actions in favour of young people, supported by EDF, LAFARGE and SNCF "Discovery" seminars, aimed at young people in deprived areas "National cohesion and citizenship" seminars at regional level Teaching/Research Chairs Castex chair in cyber-strategy with support from Airbus Group enterprise Foundation Chair in Defence Economics, with support from MBDA, Renault Trucks Defense, Safran and Thales Chair in Economic diplomacy, normative influence under consideration for inclusion over the first six months of 2014 www.partenaires-ihedn.fr
The associations Besides maintaining the links created during sessions or on the occasion of various training courses, the associations of auditors (law 1901) work to promote the distribution of the defence culture together with a collective awareness of the issues of defence and security. The network that they represent within the country is a valuable aid to the IHEDN in its work and it, in turn, provides them with constant support. Since 1975, 42 associations have become members of the Union of Associations, Union- IHEDN, which has a membership of almost 10,000. The AA-IHEDN national association, created in 1948, is made up of auditors from the national sessions and Institute executives. The 32 Région-IHEDN regional associations, created over time since 1955, bring together, on a geographical basis, all auditors and participants in IHEDN training, whether they reside in mainland France or overseas. As new, specialist sessions are created, issue-specific associations have been created to support the Institute s work. - 1977: Afeds-IHEDN, Association for training and defence and security studies, - 1988: Europe-IHEDN, Association of participants in European sessions of the IHEDN - 1996: Anaj-IHEDN, National association of young participants in IHEDN-Jeunes seminars - 1999: IE-IHEDN, Economic intelligence association of participants in EI courses - 2004: Euromed-IHEDN, consisting of participants in international Euro-Mediterranean sessions - 2006: Afrique-IHEDN, made up of participants in the "IHEDN forum on the African continent" sessions, - 2010: Amlat-IHEDN, made up of auditors of the international Latin America sessions, - 2010: AMO IHEDN, for auditors of international Asia/Middle East sessions, - 2010: AACHEAr, Association of auditors and executives in higher armaments studies joined the Union-IHEDN.