The Workshop
This workshop opens up the key parts of defence and national security: deterrence, alliances, strategic doctrines, changing threats (cyber, space, hybrid), the role of the armed forces in society, and the relationship between the armed forces and the nation. Participants link the cards to see how a country's defence policy is decided and what those decisions lead to.
Why It Matters
Defence and security are often seen as a matter for experts, even though they involve major choices for society: public budgets, sovereignty, international alliances. The workshop makes these topics accessible so that everyone can form an informed opinion as the geopolitical context shifts.
Good to Know
The content draws on public and institutional sources: defence white papers and publications from research institutes specialising in international relations. It stays general and educational on purpose, and does not cover operational doctrine or sensitive technical matters. It is aimed at the general public, students and professionals who are not specialists in the field.
What to Expect
Working in groups of 4 to 16, participants link the cards through cause and effect to reconstruct the logic of national defence, then move to a creative phase. The workshop ends with a debrief on how the public sees defence issues and on ways to stay informed and get involved.