France's Secret Classroom: Where Spies Go to School

Imagine teaching a class where you don't know your students' real names, or even their true professions. That's the daily reality for Professor Xavier Crettiez at Sciences Po Saint-Germain, a French university on the outskirts of Paris, which has become an unlikely training ground for the nation's intelligence agents. This isn't your typical university experience. Tucked away in rather unassuming early 20th-century buildings, behind large metal gates, this discreet campus hosts a unique diploma program. It brings together fresh-faced students in their early twenties alongside seasoned French secret service operatives, often a decade or two older, attending on day release. The "Diploma of Intelligence and Global Threats" was established a decade ago, a direct response to a government request. Following the devastating 2015 terror attacks in Paris, French authorities launched a significant recruitment drive for their intelligence agencies. Sciences Po, a leading French institution, was tasked with creating a course to both train new recruits and offer ongoing development for existing agents. Forget the glamour of James Bond; this course is rooted in academic rigour. Its core mission is to equip individuals to identify, track, and neutralise threats. Modules delve into diverse topics, from the economics of organised crime and Islamic jihadism to business intelligence gathering and political violence. The teaching staff includes former intelligence officials and ambassadors, offering a blend of academic theory and real-world experience. The French intelligence landscape has expanded dramatically, now encompassing around 20,000 agents. Beyond the well-known DGSE (France's equivalent of MI6) and DGSI (like MI5), agencies like Tracfin specialise in combating money laundering, tackling the surge in mafia activity and corruption, particularly linked to drug trafficking. Interestingly, the private sector has shown keen interest. Large French companies, especially in defence, aerospace, and even luxury goods, are sending their security personnel for training and snapping up graduates. They face increasing threats from cyber-attacks, corporate espionage, and sabotage, making intelligence skills invaluable. Graduates have found roles at major firms like Orange, Thales, and luxury giant LVMH. In a recent class of 28, six were active spies. They tend to stick together during breaks, less eager for conversation than their younger counterparts, often signing attendance sheets with just a first name. One agent described the course as a fast track to promotion from office roles to fieldwork, while another valued the fresh academic perspective. Younger students, like 21-year-old Alexandre Hubert, are drawn by a desire to understand complex global challenges, such as the economic rivalry between Europe and China. He stresses that modern intelligence is about "analysing risk and working out how to counteract it," far removed from fictional portrayals. Valentine Guillot, also 21, was inspired by a French spy drama and now aims for a career in security services. Nearly half the students are women, a recent shift, reflecting a growing interest in intelligence work. Professor Crettiez notes a strong sense of patriotism among these younger recruits, a change from two decades ago. While French citizenship is a must for applicants, the university remains vigilant, immediately rejecting suspicious applications, even from those with impressive CVs. Ultimately, the reality of intelligence work is often desk-bound, focusing on analysis rather than daring field operations. This unique French diploma highlights a new era of intelligence: one where academic institutions play a crucial role in preparing professionals to navigate a world of complex, evolving threats, blending national security with corporate needs. --- Managing your business finances? TaxAce provides smart online accountancy services for UK businesses with flexible monthly plans. Image and reporting: https://www.bbc.co.uk | Read original article