The objective of this two-semester seminar-style course is to write an advanced-level research paper. In the first part, students develop a research design. In the second part, they write the seminar paper and present it in plenary.

The objective of this two-semester seminar-style course is to write an advanced-level research paper in the field of Strategic Studies. In the second semester, students write their seminar paper and present it in plenary.

Addressing civil-military relations and the democratic control of armed forces. Highlighting the changes in the structures of European armed forces (technological, social and geostrategic changes). Examining the capability of society and military in Switzerland to maintain the militia principle.

Addressing civil-military relations and the democratic control of armed forces. Highlighting the changes in the structures of European armed forces (technological, social and geostrategic changes). Examining the capability of society and military in Switzerland to maintain the militia principle.

Beside of the most important terms of sociology, demographic changes and the related value and structure change will be analysed. The second part focuses on organizational sociology. Thirdly, the course examines to which extent armed forces can be considered as organizations like any other and to which extent they constitute a special case from an organizational and normative point of view.