Spies and Students Alike Train at French Intelligence School
The prestigious Sciences Po Saint-Germain in Paris is not just nurturing the next generation of ambitious students; it has also become a training ground for France’s intelligence agents. A unique diploma program blends traditional academic pursuits with the complexities of modern espionage, highlighting the growing demand for skilled professionals in both the public and private sectors amid rising global threats.
Why It Matters
The fusion of students with diverse backgrounds and intelligence agents symbolizes a significant shift within France’s approach to national security. As universities collaborate with government authorities to address contemporary challenges, this educational initiative seeks to prepare candidates for not only intelligence work but also corporate security roles, demonstrating the ever-present need for skilled personnel in a world rife with threats.
Key Developments
- The diploma titled "Diplôme sur le Renseignement et les Menaces Globales" was introduced by Sciences Po in partnership with the Academie du Renseignement.
- The course, aimed at identifying and countering global threats, requires students to complete 120 hours of classroom instruction over four months.
- Tuition for external students, including those from the French secret services, is approximately €5,000 (around $5,900).
- Among the 28 current students, six are active spies, illustrating the course’s dual nature.
- The curriculum covers topics such as organized crime, jihadism, and cybersecurity, critical for both intelligence and business sectors.
Full Report
Unique Academic Environment
Sciences Po Saint-Germain’s setting serves as an unconventional backdrop for espionage training. The campus, characterized by its somber architecture and guarded entrances, creates an atmosphere conducive to secrecy. Professor Xavier Crettiez acknowledges the complexity of instructing students whose backgrounds and real identities often remain undisclosed.
The program’s inception in response to heightened security challenges following the 2015 Paris terrorist attacks illustrates the urgent demand for enhanced training within France’s intelligence community. In the years since, the number of active agents has surged to approximately 20,000, a notable increase aimed at addressing both domestic and international threats.
A New Wave of Interest
The course’s appeal has extended beyond espionage, drawing interest from large French corporations keen on fortifying their security measures. Notable companies like Thales and LVHM have recently recruited graduates to bolster their defenses against emerging cybersecurity threats. The program has become increasingly popular among women, driven by the belief that their involvement in intelligence could contribute positively to society.
Valentine Guillot, one of the students, expressed her passion for learning about the intelligence field, inspired by popular media representations, while Alexandre Hubert emphasized the importance of understanding economic dynamics, particularly in relation to Europe and China.
The Spy Culture
Among the diverse student body, the active agents tend to keep to themselves during breaks, distinguishing them from their younger counterparts. Their participation in the program serves as a strategic move for potential promotions and development, all while operating under a veil of secrecy.
Professor Crettiez remains vigilant regarding applications, particularly from individuals with enticing backgrounds, underscoring the complexities of recruitment in an environment rife with intrigue.
Context & Previous Events
The course was created following a request from French authorities in response to the increased need for intelligence professionals after the terrorist attacks in 2015. This demand led to a substantial recruitment initiative within France’s intelligence agencies, ultimately resulting in the establishment of the diploma program in collaboration with one of the country’s foremost universities.
