At the Sciences Po Saint-Germain, located on the outskirts of Paris, a distinctive course trains the next generation of spies. This program, known as the Diplôme sur le Renseignement et les Menaces Globales, focuses on intelligence and global threats.
Course Overview
The course was developed in collaboration with the Academie du Renseignement, the training body for French intelligence services. Launched a decade ago, it gained traction after the 2015 Paris attacks when the government initiated a recruitment drive for intelligence agencies.
Structure and Content
The program consists of 120 hours of coursework spanning four months. Enrollment costs approximately €5,000 (around $5,900 or £4,400). The curriculum covers essential topics, including:
- The economics of organized crime
- Islamic jihadism
- Business intelligence gathering
- Political violence
Students also explore themes such as the interplay of intelligence and technology.
Student Demographics
This year’s class includes 28 students, among whom six are current spies. The cohort features a mix of ages, with younger students in their early 20s alongside seasoned intelligence agents, typically aged between 35 and 50.
Growing Private Sector Interest
Big corporations have shown a keen interest in hiring graduates. Major companies spanning sectors like defense, aerospace, and luxury goods are eager to recruit individuals trained in addressing cybersecurity risks. Graduates have recently found positions at:
- Orange (telecommunications)
- Thales (aerospace and defense)
- LVHM (luxury goods)
Women in Intelligence
An encouraging trend is the increasing number of women enrolling in intelligence courses. This year’s cohort consists of nearly half female students, a shift from earlier years. Lecturers emphasize that women are drawn to intelligence work as a means of contributing to a safer world.
Future of Intelligence Training
Professor Xavier Crettiez highlights the extensive growth in French intelligence, citing approximately 20,000 agents, primarily from two key agencies: DGSE, focused on overseas matters, and DGSI, which handles domestic threats. The training aims to enhance the capabilities of both incoming recruits and current agents.
In conclusion, the Diplôme sur le Renseignement et les Menaces Globales at Sciences Po Saint-Germain is shaping the future of espionage in France. By blending new and experienced minds, the program is preparing individuals to face modern threats with a sophisticated understanding of intelligence processes.
