This interdisciplinary program is designed to explore how historical events, policies, and conflicts influence modern security strategies and defense mechanisms. As the world grapples with multiple geopolitical tensions, cyber threats, climate-induced security risks, and new paradigms of warfare, the need for more specialized training in this area becomes inevitable.

By examining historical precedents and current trends, students will be able to promote meaningful change in an increasingly interconnected world. With the collaboration of national and international experts, they will also have access to a comprehensive curriculum that combines rigorous historical research with contemporary security and defense theories, which will allow them to develop advanced research, analysis and critical thinking skills concerning the main factors that shape global peace and conflict.

The program also includes a strong interdisciplinary component, taking advantage of its linkages with the areas of advanced training developed at Iscte as well as the existing expertise of the Military Academy, and is carried out in close coordination with the research matrix and research groups of the Center for International Studies (CEI-Iscte).

Applications for Iscte Merit Scholarships will be accepted from PhD students at the School of Sociology and Public Policy. Information on the application process will be made available shortly. The monthly amount of the grant is equal to the reference value for FCT Doctoral Grants, plus an exemption from tuition fees.  Students must be enrolled full-time and dedicated exclusively to their studies.