At Sciences Po Saint-Germain university, Professor Xavier Crettiez leads a distinctive course that explores the world of intelligence and security. Currently his class has 28 students, and it’s far from the conventional classroom. It appeals to more adventurous students, including current French secret service operatives. The course, called Diplôme sur le Renseignement et les Menaces Globales, explores the roots of political radicalization in a polarized world. We discuss how the role of spies is changing in modern-day society.
Professor Crettiez’s teaching goes against the grain of popular portrayals in media. The director is quick to dispel the notion that intelligence work is glamorous. That’s in no way aligned with the very exploratory, all the cool adventurer pictures you see in James Bond movies. Instead, he shines a spotlight on the analytical aspect of the profession.
“Looking at intelligence gathering from a James Bond viewpoint is not relevant, the job is analysing risk and working out how to counteract it,” he states, encapsulating the essence of his teaching philosophy.
The touch and go intelligence milieu in France has been shaken considerably over the last few years. Crettiez notes a substantial expansion in the French secret services, reflecting an increasing demand for trained professionals in the field.
The new curriculum is comprised of exciting, interactive modules that address relevant and timely issues. Among them are organized crime economics, Islamic jihadism, business intelligence gathering, and political violence. Humanities and creative subjects are essential in teaching students the multidimensional, complex problems they will surely encounter in their future careers.
The students who demonstrate a sincere passion and enthusiasm for this one-of-a-kind opportunity never fail to impress! Valentine Guillot stated, “Coming here to discover this world which I didn’t know anything about except for the TV series has been a remarkable opportunity, and now I am very keen to join the security services.” Her enthusiasm is indicative of a broader wave of interest among youth eager to connect with and tackle the thorniest security issues.
Crettiez still tends to underestimate his students’ foundations. “I rarely know the intelligence agents’ backgrounds when they are sent on the course, and I doubt the names I’m given are genuine anyway,” he reveals, highlighting the enigmatic nature of his students. He recognizes that many may have ulterior motives for enrolling, whether it is to enhance their careers or gain insights into the workings of intelligence and security.
The course doesn’t just have positive pedagogical effects, it has positive practical effects on students’ futures. Now major firms including Orange, Thales and LVMH have hired our graduates. This recruitment highlights the technical expertise they learn throughout their degree that can be applied to real-world issues. Roger, another student, mentioned his motivations for joining the program: “I provide consultancy across West Africa, and I joined the course to provide risk assessments to my clients there.” His statement emphasizes the broader importance and applicability of intelligence training across diverse professional fields.
While Professor Crettiez aims to prepare his students for real-world challenges, he acknowledges that not all will find themselves in active field roles. “Few new recruits will end up in the field,” he explains, indicating that many may take on analytical or advisory positions instead.
Beyond that threat assessment analysis, Crettiez points out that fighting financial crime is a growing focus of intelligence work today. This shift towards understanding economic factors connects intelligence gathering with broader societal issues, which can attract diverse individuals to the field.
Gender dynamics within intelligence have also evolved. Sebastien-Yves Laurent points out that “Women’s interest in intelligence gathering is new,” adding that they are drawn to this area because “they think it will provide for a better world.” This change mirrors a broader societal shift in roles and perceptions around security and intelligence.
Professor Crettiez’s course costs around €5,000 for external students, making it an investment for those looking to enter this intriguing field. This economic investment demonstrates the level of dedication that students bring to their work and their future professions.