GLOBSEC concludes with international symposium on Total Defence

As GLOBSEC enters its final phase, the project will bring together its international academic network in Tromsø for a symposium on Total Defence on 30 October 2026.

Held at UiT The Arctic University of Norway, the symposium forms the public-facing part of GLOBSEC’s final project gathering. It brings together researchers and practitioners from Norway, South Africa, Germany, Poland and Finland to examine how societies prepare for crises in an increasingly uncertain security environment.

The symposium takes place as part of Norway’s National Security Month and in a year designated as the Year of Total Defence. Its programme reflects the breadth of the concept, moving from psychological preparedness and cyber security to the role of public agencies, European cooperation and the practical organisation of national resilience.

The international programme includes contributions from UiT, the Cyber Security Institute in South Africa, the University of Stavanger, the University of Oslo and NUPI, the University of Konstanz and the Finnish Institute of International Affairs. GLOBSEC will be represented by Dr Reidar Staupe who will convene the event. Noelle Cowling of the Cyber Security Institute and Madimabe Tebele from Stellenbosch University will be among the participants.

The morning session will open with reflections on the psychological foundations of Total Defence, followed by a contribution on the role of cyber security and a discussion of the institutional and societal dimensions of preparedness. The afternoon will turn to the practical architecture of Total Defence, including the role of customs authorities, European integration and cooperation, Germany’s evolving approach to comprehensive defence and the Finnish experience.

The programme will be bookended by panel discussions, bringing together the different national and disciplinary perspectives represented at the symposium.

For GLOBSEC, the event has a particular significance. What began as a North–South partnership centred on academic exchange between UiT and Stellenbosch University has developed into a much broader network of teaching, research and professional cooperation. The symposium provides an opportunity to bring that network together in Tromsø, while opening the conversation to colleagues from across Europe and South Africa.

The public symposium will be followed by a dedicated internal project gathering, where the GLOBSEC partners will assess the project’s achievements, reflect on the collaboration and discuss possibilities for continuing the relationships and activities developed through the partnership.

In that sense, the final GLOBSEC gathering is an opportunity to take stock of what the partnership has built, and to consider what might come next.

Symposium: Total Defence
30 October 2026, 10:00–15:30
Tabletten F1.101, UiT Tromsø Campus

Registration closes on 20 October.

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There Is Nothing Like Plan B: GLOBSEC’s Final Cyber Strategy Challenge

The third and final GLOBSEC Cyber Resilience Exercise has now been completed — and this year, there was, appropriately enough, nothing quite like Plan B. The UiT team Team Plan B took the top position after two demanding days of strategic decision-making, rapid analysis and oral policy briefings.

Team Plan B argues its policy response before the judges.

Developed by Noelle van der Waag and the Cyber Security Institute (CSI), this year’s scenario, Under the Surface, placed students in a fictional but strikingly recognisable geopolitical crisis.

The scenario imagined a world in 2027 in which great-power competition, hybrid warfare, maritime insecurity, energy dependence and the race for critical minerals were becoming increasingly entangled. At its centre were two fictional states: Bjornland, a wealthy northern European state with Arctic and Antarctic interests, and Kalaharia, a highly developed Southern African state whose strategic importance extends from mining and maritime trade to Antarctic logistics.

What made the exercise particularly challenging was that there was no single crisis to solve. Students had to navigate several interconnected and cascading developments, where the most dramatic event was not necessarily the most consequential one. The challenge was to identify what mattered most, understand how different risks interacted, and decide where limited attention and resources should be directed.

Over two days, the teams worked under considerable time pressure as the scenario evolved through new intelligence and escalating developments. They produced written policy briefs, developed competing response options, defended their choices before expert judges and revised their strategies as the situation changed.

The exercise deliberately placed students in the position of a national security advisory team rather than asking them to provide a technical cyber response. The fictional Bjornland National Security Council had to consider questions ranging from attribution and critical infrastructure protection to diplomacy, public communication, international cooperation and the difficult trade-offs between immediate action and longer-term strategic interests.

The exercise was designed and delivered by CSI, GLOBSEC’s business partner, whose team developed the scenario, intelligence injects and competition format and managed the exercise throughout. Their ability to create a complex and evolving environment gave students an unusually demanding opportunity to move from discussing security crises in the classroom to making decisions inside one.

With the completion of Under the Surface, GLOBSEC has now delivered its third and final Cyber Resilience Exercise. What began as one of the project’s more experimental activities has become one of its most distinctive elements: a practical space where students from different academic and national backgrounds have to think together, decide under pressure and live with the consequences of their choices.

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GLOBSEC brings Stellenbosch expertise to UiT

In addition to the research seminar on green energy transition, which took place on September 14, 2026, two days later, Prof Ivan Henrico from Stellenbosch University gave a lecture on “The Strait of Hormuz as a Global Chokepoint: Geopolitical Implications for African Economies, Energy Security, Trade and Foreign Policy.”

The lecture explored the Strait of Hormuz as a strategic chokepoint linking global energy security, trade and geopolitics, with particular attention to the implications for African economies and foreign policy.

Prof Henrico is Vice-Dean for Research and Internationalisation and Associate Professor in Military Geography at Stellenbosch University’s Faculty of Military Science. His interdisciplinary expertise spans geosciences, geoinformatics, military geography and geopolitics, complemented by more than a decade of experience as a geospatial scientist in the South African National Defence Force.

The event was organised by GLOBSEC in collaboration with UiT’s Centre for Geopolitics, Peace and Security (GPS) and was hosted and moderated by Bjarge Schwenke Fors, Researcher in Border Studies at GPS.

The lecture illustrates the broader value of the GLOBSEC partnership: bringing international scholars and perspectives to UiT while connecting the UiT–Stellenbosch network with research environments across the university. Through such activities, GLOBSEC provides a platform for international academic exchange and collaboration on contemporary security and geopolitical questions.

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GLOBSEC welcomes Professor Ivan Henrico for a research seminar on resource, conflict and the green transition

As part of the GLOBSEC partnership between UiT The Arctic University of Norway and Stellenbosch University, Prof Ivan Henrico will visit UiT in September for a series of academic activities that bring together perspectives on geopolitics, security, and societal challenges across the Global North and South.

On 14 September 2026 at 13:00, Professor Henrico will give a research seminar for staff and students:

Green Transition and Conflict: Mapping the Resource–Conflict Nexus in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo

The seminar will examine the relationship between the green transition, resource demand and conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, with particular attention to the resource–conflict nexus.

Professor Henrico brings an interdisciplinary background spanning geosciences, geoinformatics, military geography and geopolitics. He is Vice-Dean for Research and Internationalisation and Associate Professor in the Department of Military Geography at Stellenbosch University’s Faculty of Military Science. He holds a PhD in Geoinformatics from the University of Pretoria and has more than a decade of professional experience as a geospatial scientist in the South African National Defence Force. He has also served as Co-chair of the United Nations Open GIS Initiative Working Group 2 on Capacity Building.

The seminar is an opportunity for UiT staff and students to engage with research from Stellenbosch University and to explore questions at the intersection of resources, conflict, geopolitics and the changing global energy landscape.

When: 14 September 2026, 13:00
Where: Room 1.005, Undervisningsrom, Teknologibygget, 1st floor, Tromsø
Who: Prof. Ivan Henrico, Stellenbosch University
Organised through: GLOBSEC, UiT–Stellenbosch University partnership

The seminar is open to interested staff and students.

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Welcoming the 2026 GLOBSEC Exchange Cohort

This semester, GLOBSEC brings another group of students from Stellenbosch University to the far north. Five students from South Africa are joining UiT The Arctic University of Norway for a semester of study, exchange, and — we hope — a fair amount of Arctic weather.

Their backgrounds and interests are diverse, but they share a curiosity about how security, risk and resilience are understood in a very different geographical and societal setting. For the incoming students, the exchange is an opportunity not simply to collect credits, but to encounter new ways of thinking about familiar problems.

Maj Kay-Lee Fisher, a South African Air Force major and pilot, is particularly interested in Norway’s approaches to resilience, safety management and climate change adaptation, and in how these can be compared with the South African experience. She hopes to take new knowledge and perspectives back into her studies and professional work.

For Lt Humbulani Ndou, the exchange offers the opportunity to connect his background in human and organisational development with questions of resilience, safety and adaptation. He is also looking forward to his first international study experience and to gaining a more global perspective through interaction with students from different backgrounds.

Lt Bulelwa September comes to Tromsø with a research interest in risk management and the implementation of risk-management practices. She is particularly curious about how a high-risk, high-resilience country such as Norway approaches preparedness and complex risks, while also stepping outside her previous academic background through studies in climate change adaptation.

Capt Nicolaas de Jongh is looking forward to the exchange as an opportunity to encounter different worldviews and teaching approaches — and, as an outdoors person, to experience an Arctic environment very different from home.

Lt Tiaan van Schalkwyk brings another comparative perspective. His research examines the relationship between economic growth and conflict in Africa, and he is interested in seeing how Nordic and Arctic security debates compare with the drivers of conflict he encounters in his own research. He is also looking forward to the cultural exchange and the opportunity to build relationships that extend beyond the semester.

During their time at UiT, the students will study Resilience, Climate Change Adaptation, and Safety Management and Accident Investigation, bringing their own professional and academic experiences into the classroom and into conversations with Norwegian students and colleagues.

This is precisely what GLOBSEC is meant to create: a movement between perspectives. We look forward to seeing what happens when South African and Arctic experiences of risk, resilience and security meet — and, of course, to finding out what our guests make of Tromsø in winter.

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Student Workshop on Visions of the Future

Creative visioning is becoming an increasingly useful tool for exploring people’s perspectives and visions of the future. Last week, Marianne Midtgård and Laurien de Korte visited our partners in South Africa to host a visioning workshop with students at the Military Academy.

Group photo of all participants and facilitators.

The aim of the workshop was to gain an understanding of how students perceive their own future and that of their country, as well as how much agency they feel they have in shaping that future.

Visualization of group’s expected future.

Structured around four questions, the workshop brought out diverse visions of the future among the groups, ranging from resilient community utopias to AI dystopias.

Students working on their visioning and the group’s visualization of their expected future.

The visit also included a productive meeting at Stellenbosch University’s main campus, hosted by the School for Data and Computational Science in conjunction with the School for Climate Studies, where we discussed opportunities for future collaboration.

The workshop will also be held in Northern Norway, giving us an opportunity to explore a north–south perspective on students’ visions of the future and their sense of agency.

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Cyber Lab 2025: Strategic Thinking Under Fire

On 13–14 October 2025, the GLOBSEC Cyber Lab once again brought together students from Norway and South Africa for a two-day, high-pressure strategic exercise. This year, for the first time, a team from Durban University of Technology also joined the challenge — an exciting expansion that grew out of last year’s collaboration.

Organised by the Cyber Security Institute as part of the GLOBSEC project, the Cyber Lab is a non-technical, policy-level incident response simulation. It immerses students in realistic crisis scenarios where they must think like national security advisors, balancing competing priorities and limited information.

This year’s scenario opened in a world on the brink of chaos:

“The year is 2026 and the world is in great turmoil. War appears to be brewing between the great powers of the Pacific… African countries are also attempting to remain neutral, but this is difficult due to competition between the great powers for Africa’s critical minerals required for the microchip industry.”

Over two intense days, teams of students worked late into the night developing high-level policy recommendations for government leaders. They assessed threats, mapped consequences, and presented three viable response options — weighing national interest, global stability, and moral responsibility.

Each team faced two escalating crisis scenarios, forcing them to adapt under time pressure and justify their decisions before a panel of expert judges.

Bounce Backs (UiT) explaining their crisis response strategy to the judges.

🏆 The winning team, The Bounce Backs (UiT), impressed the judges with their sophisticated understanding of trade-offs, scenario logic, and the clarity of their policy reasoning. Their presentation demonstrated how thoughtful collaboration and strategic foresight can turn uncertainty into opportunity.

This year’s Cyber Lab reaffirmed what GLOBSEC stands for: learning through challenge, cooperation across continents, and the belief that the best way to prepare for crises is to think together — before they happen.

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When the South Comes North: GLOBSEC Summer School 2025

From 2–8 August 2025, UiT The Arctic University of Norway hosted the second edition of the GLOBSEC Summer School, bringing together ten students from Stellenbosch University (South Africa) and ten UiT students for an intensive, week-long programme on Comparative Analysis of Security Policy.

The whole group on UiT campus.

This year’s theme, “From Security Idea to State Action”, guided students through lectures, workshops, and collaborative projects, culminating in mixed Norway–South Africa teams presenting comparative policy analyses on topics ranging from food security and cyber policy to climate resilience and counter-terrorism. The presentations, serving as the final assessment for UiT students, showcased not only academic rigour but also impressive teamwork across cultural and national boundaries.

The food security group is presenting their findings.

Highlights included:

  • Engaging lectures from UiT and Stellenbosch faculty on policy analysis methods, case selection, and evaluation frameworks.
  • A guest lecture panel featuring experts on cybersecurity, climate security, public health, and disinformation.
  • A field visit to Kåfjord, designed and led by Leikny Bakke Lie, connecting classroom learning to real-world security considerations.
  • A vibrant exchange of perspectives between students from two hemispheres, underlining the value of international cooperation in societal security.
Visiting the snow avalanche barrier in Samuelsberg.

The summer school also attracted attention beyond the classroom, with coverage on UiT’s news site, UiT’s social media, and in the local newspaper Fremtid i Nord, which interviewed students during the field trip.

This event stands as a testament to what the GLOBSEC project aims to achieve: fostering knowledge exchange, strengthening international academic partnerships, and equipping the next generation of societal security experts with the tools to navigate an increasingly complex global threat landscape.

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Three UiT Students Begin Their GLOBSEC Exchange in Stellenbosch

This autumn, three UiT students are trading Arctic landscapes for vineyards and mountains as they begin their GLOBSEC-funded semester exchange at Stellenbosch University in South Africa. For all three, the exchange represents more than mobility—it is a chance to grow academically, personally, and culturally.

Andreas Jigrap sees the exchange as a unique opportunity to challenge himself beyond what is possible at home in Tromsø. He looks forward to immersing himself in a new culture, meeting people from different backgrounds, and gaining fresh academic perspectives. Academically, Andreas is excited about Stellenbosch University’s strong reputation and the possibility of engaging with new research environments. Encouraged by the positive experiences of South African exchange students who previously came to Tromsø, he is confident this semester will be formative both for his studies and his future career.

For Ingeborg Gusdal, the exchange feels like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. She hopes to broaden her academic horizons while experiencing South Africa’s rich cultural life. Alongside her studies, she is looking forward to exploring the country’s nature—from mountains and wildlife to the famous bouldering routes of Rocklands—and, admittedly, discovering local food and wine along the way.

Håvard Dale applied for the exchange to challenge himself both academically and personally. With a strong interest in risk management and societal security, he is eager to study these topics in an international context and to experience different approaches to learning. Beyond the classroom, Håvard looks forward to living in South Africa as more than a visitor, engaging with everyday life, learning how culture shapes security perspectives, and building lasting international connections. He hopes the experience will strengthen his independence, adaptability, and confidence as he prepares for his future career.

The GLOBSEC project is proud to support these exchanges, which lie at the heart of the project’s ambition: preparing students for a global field of societal security by exposing them to different contexts, perspectives, and lived realities. We look forward to following Andreas, Ingeborg, and Håvard on their journey, and to welcoming future exchange students back to Tromsø in return.

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From Tromsø to the Cape: A Semester of Growth and Adventure

Our UiT students recently returned from an enriching semester abroad in South Africa, where they studied at Stellenbosch University and the Military Academy in Saldanha. Their experiences have left a lasting academic and personal impact, and they are eager to share their reflections.

We asked our students to share what they liked best about their exchange experience in South Africa and how they believe it benefited them. Their responses highlighted a blend of academic enrichment and cultural immersion. Here is what they told us:

Academic Growth and Cultural Immersion

Jone found the courses at Stellenbosch University to be both challenging and rewarding, particularly enjoying the insights gained into hybrid threats and cybersecurity. The engaging discussions with classmates and knowledgeable professors enriched his understanding of these complex topics. Jone also appreciated the warm hospitality of the South African people, noting that he felt more welcome there than in any other country he has visited.

Astrid’s time at the Military Academy and Stellenbosch University was transformative, offering a unique blend of academic and cultural experiences. She valued the opportunity to expand her global understanding and adaptability, making meaningful connections and creating lifelong memories.

Arnvid described his semester in Stellenbosch as the most interesting and eventful of his master’s degree. He was captivated by the vibrant student town, its surrounding vineyards, and the proximity to Cape Town’s stunning landscapes. While acknowledging the social inequalities and safety considerations in South Africa, Arnvid emphasized the rewarding nature of his experience and recommended the exchange to adventurous students.

Maja’s semester was marked by academic and cultural enrichment. She was particularly impressed by the course on warfare in space and cyber, which she found eye-opening and beneficial for her academic journey. Maja also cherished the cultural diversity she encountered, from tasting traditional foods to participating in celebrations and hiking in the beautiful South African nature.

A Unique and Rewarding Experience

Last but not least, the semester abroad in South Africa has equipped our students with unique skills and experiences that will significantly benefit their future careers. They have honed their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities by engaging with diverse academic perspectives and tackling complex global issues. The exposure to different cultural contexts and the ability to adapt to new environments have enhanced their global awareness and intercultural communication skills, making them more versatile and empathetic professionals. These attributes are invaluable in today’s interconnected world, where employers increasingly seek individuals who can navigate and contribute to diverse and dynamic work environments. The insights gained into fields such as cybersecurity, resilience, and sustainable development will provide them with a competitive edge in their respective fields, paving the way for successful and impactful careers. Overall, the semester abroad in South Africa provided our students with invaluable academic insights and cultural experiences. They returned with broadened perspectives, strengthened adaptability, and cherished memories. The exchange has enhanced their academic pursuits and enriched their personal lives, making it a highly recommended experience for future students.

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Insights from South African Students’ Semester Exchange at UiT

The GLOBSEC Project’s 2024 semester exchange program brought six enthusiastic students from South Africa to UiT The Arctic University of Norway in Tromsø. Their reflections highlight the profound academic, personal, and professional growth they experienced during their time abroad.

Academic Enrichment and Skill Development

The exchange students engaged in a diverse range of courses, including Climate Change Adaptation, Resilience, Safety Management, and Accident Investigation. These courses provided them with a multidisciplinary perspective, integrating technical knowledge with a broader understanding of global and local challenges. Students like Ipfi Harrold Ravele and Mashudu Mathoho emphasized how the curriculum enhanced their critical thinking, research, and analytical skills, while also offering practical insights into real-world issues.

Cultural and Personal Growth

Living in Tromsø allowed the students to immerse themselves in Norwegian culture and interact with peers from around the world. This experience broadened their worldviews and improved their communication skills. S Mbatha and S Nyembe highlighted how the international and interdisciplinary environment at UiT fostered adaptability, independence, and a deeper appreciation for environmental conservation.

Future Aspirations and Opportunities

The exchange has inspired several students to consider further academic pursuits at UiT. Ipfi Harrold Ravele and Mashudu Mathoho expressed interest in completing their master’s programs, motivated by the intellectual challenges and global perspectives offered by UiT. L Matiwane noted the potential for leveraging UiT’s research facilities and academic networks for further enrichment.

A Transformative Experience

For Palesa Victoria Mokgatla, a commerce student, the semester was an opportunity to step out of her comfort zone and explore new academic fields. The integration of real-life challenges into the curriculum and the dynamic classroom environment made learning engaging and rewarding.

Overall, the semester exchange at UiT was a transformative journey for these students, equipping them with valuable skills and perspectives that will benefit their future academic and professional endeavors. The GLOBSEC Project continues to foster international collaboration and educational excellence, enriching the lives of students across the globe.

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Cyber Lab 2024: North-South Cyber Strategy Challenge

We are thrilled to report on the successful completion of the North-South Cyber Strategy Challenge, held online on October 23-24, 2024. This engaging and educational event was organized by The Cyber Security Institute, GLOBSEC’S business partner, marking a significant endeavour in our ongoing commitment to enhancing societal security education.

A Dynamic Learning Experience

The North-South Cyber Strategy Challenge was designed to immerse students in the complex world of cyber conflict and policy. Participants had the unique opportunity to engage with seasoned practitioners and experts, gaining insights into the real-world challenges of cyber security.

Over the course of two days, student teams tackled an evolving scenario that simulated a major cyber-attack, analyzing its potential threats to state, society, and private sector interests. This exercise was not only a test of their analytical skills but also an opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical, high-stakes environment.

Team Collaboration and Expert Interaction

Students were organized into teams across both participating universities, fostering a collaborative and competitive atmosphere. Each team was tasked with crafting comprehensive policy responses and strategizing effective solutions to the posed cyber threats.

The competition highlighted the importance of clear communication and strategic decision-making, with teams presenting their findings to a distinguished panel of judges. These judges, hailing from both Norwegian and South African businesses specializing in cyber security, provided feedback and insights, further enriching the students’ learning experience.

Celebrating Success

The event concluded with a standout performance by the Cyber Girlies, who impressed the judges with their exceptional policy responses and decision-making prowess, rightfully earning the title of winner of the challenge. Congratulations to the Cyber Girlies for their outstanding achievement!

Fun, Education, and More

The North-South Cyber Strategy Challenge proved to be both fun and educational, achieving its goal of fostering a deeper understanding of cyber policy challenges among students. It also underscored the importance of international cooperation and dialogue in tackling global cyber threats.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all participants, coaches, and judges who contributed to the success of this event. The enthusiasm and dedication displayed by everyone involved were genuinely inspiring.

As we celebrate the achievements of this year’s challenge, we look forward to future initiatives that continue to advance our understanding and capabilities in cyber security. Stay tuned for more updates and opportunities to engage in these critical discussions.

Thank you to everyone who made the 2024 Cyber Lab a memorable and impactful experience!

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Warm Welcome to Stellenbosch University Students for the Autumn Semester 2024 at UiT

This autumn, UiT The Arctic University of Norway is delighted to welcome six students from Stellenbosch University who have joined us to spend a semester in Tromsø. These enthusiastic scholars have embarked on an academic journey that introduces them to specialized courses not typically offered at their home institution.

The students are enrolled in three unique courses that explore critical and contemporary issues. The first course, Climate Change Adaptation, explores the strategies and policies for adapting to the changing climate, a vital area of study given today’s environmental challenges. The second course, Resilience, examines the capacity of systems, communities, and individuals to survive, adapt, and grow in the face of changes and challenges. Lastly, the Safety Management and Accident Investigation course offers insights into the systematic management of safety and thorough investigation of accidents, which is crucial for enhancing safety in various sectors.

These courses represent a significant expansion of their academic horizons, as such specialized subjects form a unique part of the curriculum at UiT, providing a fresh perspective compared to the usual offerings at Stellenbosch University. This opportunity allows the students to gain diverse knowledge and skills that are essential in today’s globalized world.

The students from Stellenbosch University are eager to immerse themselves fully in their new academic environment and make the most of their stay in Tromsø. They are excited about the learning opportunities ahead and are keen to integrate into the UiT community, contributing to and learning from the vibrant cultural and intellectual life here.

We are excited to have them with us and look forward to a fruitful and engaging semester. Welcome to UiT, and here’s to a great start to what promises to be an enriching exchange experience!

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Madimabe Tebele’s Engaging Visit to UiT The Arctic University of Norway

This August, UiT The Arctic University of Norway had the pleasure of hosting Madimabe Tebele, a lecturer from the Department of Political Science at the Faculty of Military Science, Stellenbosch University. During her week-long stay, Madimabe enriched our academic community with her extensive knowledge and engaging presence.

Madimabe Tebele, who has a robust academic background with degrees in Political Studies, Public Governance, and Law from North-West University (NWU), and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Tertiary Education from the University of South Africa (UNISA), shared her insights and experiences generously.

Throughout her visit, Madimabe met with our research groups and engaged with students in discussions that spanned a variety of political science topics. Her approachable manner and depth of knowledge fostered an environment of learning and curiosity among students and faculty alike.

Madimabe’s visit to Tromsø was not only an academic exchange but also a bridge-building exercise between UiT and Stellenbosch University, enhancing the collaborative ties between our institutions. Her visit left a lasting impression, and we look forward to future collaborations that continue to enrich our academic and cultural exchanges.

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GLOBSEC Summer School 2024: A Week of Insightful Learning and Collaboration at Stellenbosch University

Greetings from the GLOBSEC team!

We’re excited to bring you an update from the recently concluded GLOBSEC Summer School, held from August 5th to 8th, 2024, at the Faculty of Military Science, Stellenbosch University. This year’s summer school was a vibrant and enriching gathering, bringing together 10 students from UiT The Arctic University of Norway and 10 from Stellenbosch University, along with lecturers from both institutions.

A Warm Welcome and Program Highlights

Our hosts at Stellenbosch University extended a heartfelt welcome to all participants, setting the tone for a week packed with insightful sessions and engaging discussions. The program kicked off with an introduction by Lt Col (Dr.) Susan Henrico, followed by a welcome address from Prof. Tshehla, the Dean of the Faculty of Military Science.

The sessions covered a range of pertinent topics, including:

  • Non-Traditional Security Threats in Africa by Dr. Moses Khanyile
  • Global Insecurities and Their Drivers by Lt Col (Prof) Abel Esterhuyse
  • Insecurity in the SADC Region by Col Hlengiwe Mkhize
  • The Cyber Crime Eco-System by Prof. Elmarie Biermann
  • AI Threats and Opportunities in Africa by Dr. Nick Bradshaw
  • Migration Through the Lens of Xenophobia by Ms. Madimabe Tebele

These sessions were complemented by vibrant discussions and student workgroups, fostering a collaborative learning environment. The full schedule and details of all sessions, along with the biographies of the lecturers, can be found here.

Social Program and Cultural Immersion

The hosts at Stellenbosch University went above and beyond to ensure that every guest from Norway felt exceptionally well cared for, attending to every detail with remarkable hospitality and thoroughness. In addition to the academic offerings, participants enjoyed a rich social program that included exploring the scenic areas of Stellenbosch and a visit to Cape Town. These activities not only provided a break from the intensive learning sessions but also offered students a chance to absorb the local culture and landscapes, making the experience both educational and memorable.

Acknowledgements

Special thanks are due to Noelle Van der Waag-Cowling, GLOBSEC Coordinator in RSA whose extensive efforts in advising on accommodation, transport, and practical arrangements were invaluable. Her dedication was a cornerstone in the seamless execution of this program and greatly enhanced the overall experience for all participants.

Looking Ahead

As we reflect on the success of the 2024 summer school, we are inspired by the connections made and the knowledge exchanged. We look forward to continuing this enriching collaboration between UiT and Stellenbosch University, hoping to replicate this success next year during the upcoming Summer School in Tromso.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this year’s GLOBSEC Summer School a resounding success. We cherish the memories created and the knowledge shared and look forward to future collaborations.

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