The French University Where Spies Go for Training
The French university where spies go for training is the intriguing campus of Sciences Po Saint-Germain, located on the outskirts of Paris. Here, a unique blend of students—typical early 20s university-goers and seasoned French government spies—come together to gain knowledge and skills that are vital in the world of intelligence.
A Unique Educational Experience
University professor Xavier Crettiez reveals that he often doesn’t know the true identities of many students in his course. This confidentiality is not typical for academia, but it is essential in the realm of espionage. I rarely know the intelligence agents’ backgrounds when they are sent on the course. I doubt the names I’m given are genuine, he admits.
– Course Name: The program is called Diplôme sur le Renseignement et les Menaces Globales, or Diploma of Intelligence and Global Threats.
– Collaboration: Developed by the university in partnership with the Académie du Renseignement, the training division of the French intelligence services, the course was initiated at the request of French authorities to strengthen intelligence capability.
– Background: Following the 2015 terrorist attacks in Paris, a significant recruitment drive resulted in the formation of this innovative course aimed at training prospective spies and providing ongoing education for current agents.
Course Structure and Topics
The program spans 120 hours over four months, designed to identify and address various threats in the modern world. Notably, the course is priced at approximately €5,000 ($5,900; £4,400) for external students, including spies and corporate trainees.
Key topics addressed in the curriculum include:
– Economics of organized crime
– Islamic jihadism
– Business intelligence gathering
– Political violence
Attending a class requires security vetting by the French authorities, adding a layer of intrigue to the learning environment.
Growing Interest from the Private Sector
Prof. Crettiez highlights a shift in the responsibilities of spies, with a crucial focus now on combating financial crime. The private sector’s interest in the course continues to soar, as large French companies seek to bolster their security measures in response to escalating cybersecurity threats and vulnerability to espionage tactics.
Recent graduates have been recruited by notable organizations, including:
– Orange: A major French mobile operator
– Thales: A leader in aerospace and defense
– LVMH: A conglomerate comprising prestigious luxury brands
A Diverse Student Body
This year’s class consists of 28 students, including six spies. The agents often convene during breaks, creating a noticeable divide from their younger classmates. One spy candidly remarked that the program serves as a fast-track stepping stone for promotion.
Among the students, 21-year-old Alexandre Hubert joined to deepen his understanding of the economic competition between Europe and China. Intelligence gathering isn’t about James Bond; it’s about analyzing risk, he clarified.
Valentine Guillot, also 21, was motivated by the fictional French TV show Le Bureau. Discovering this world has been eye-opening, and I’m eager to join the security services, she expressed.
An Evolving Landscape
Notably, nearly half of the class comprises women—a significant development in a field traditionally dominated by men. Lecturer Sébastien-Yves Laurent noted this shift, emphasizing that women’s participation introduces new perspectives and a desire to contribute to a better world.
While there’s significant interest from students, particularly young women, Prof. Crettiez remains cautious about applications from individuals with questionable backgrounds. I regularly receive applications from attractive candidates with stellar CVs; these are often set aside, he stated.
Conclusion
The French university where spies go for training offers a compelling glimpse into the world of intelligence and national security. With a diverse cohort of students and an engaging curriculum, the Diplôme sur le Renseignement et les Menaces Globales at Sciences Po Saint-Germain stands as a unique and necessary institution in today’s complex geopolitical landscape. The program not only prepares spies for their crucial roles but also shapes the future of security in both public and private sectors.