Illicit Trade

About

Join us for an immersive learning experience at CSDS of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) from 7 to 11 July 2025 exploring the complex world of illicit trade and the future of geopolitics and global supply chains. Organized by the University of Groningen in collaboration with the Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC), and hosted by CSDS at the VUB, the Summer School on Illicit Trade offers a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of this pressing global issue and explore strategies for combating it. Immerse yourself into the multifaceted realm of illicit trade through our comprehensive one-week course set to take place at the prestigious VUB from 7-11 July 2025.

Participants will engage in a dynamic blend of academic and practical lectures, workshops, case studies, and discussions, led by esteemed experts and practitioners in the field. Explore the intricate economic, social, and security implications of illicit trade, gaining a nuanced understanding of its far-reaching effects on industries, communities, and global stability.

Course leader

The Summer School is organized by the University of Groningen in collaboration with the Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC) and hosted by the Centre for Security, Diplomacy and Strategy of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. The contacts for the respective organisations are Francesco Giumelli and Tim Wittig.

Target group

The Summer School is designed for students in their final year of undergraduate studies, master’s students, and PhD students in Law, Political Science, International Relations, Economics, Social Sciences, or other relevant disciplines, who are interested in learning more about illicit trade. It is also designed for professionals working in governmental institutions, local authorities, or international and non-governmental organizations, who are seeking to deepen their understanding of current illicit trade issues.

It is expected that the participants have a sufficient command of the English language to actively participate in the discussions and to present their own work in English.

Course aim

The learning objectives of the Summer School are that, upon completion, participants will:
- Have foundational knowledge of key concepts associated with illicit trade.
- Be able to utilize important contemporary investigative techniques, such as Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) and Network analysis.
- Have practical insight on best practice for local, national, and international institutions and stakeholders in their efforts to combat illicit trade.
- Have access to a network of fellow peers, experts, and practitioners active in the field of illicit trade.

Workload
- Attendance of lectures: 5 x 4 = 20 hours.
- Preparation for lectures: 5 x 2 = 10 hours.
- Attendance of seminars: 5 x 2 = 10 hours.
- Preparation for seminars: 5 x 1 = 5 hours.
- Preparation for exam: 390 pages / 10 = 39 hours.

Upon successful completion of the programme, the Summer School offers a Certificate of Attendance that mentions the workload of 84 hours (28 hours corresponds to 1 ECTS). Students can apply for recognition of these credits to the relevant authorities in their home institutions, therefore the final decision on awarding credits is at the discretion of their home institutions. We will be happy to provide any necessary information that might be requested in addition to the certificate of attendance.

Fee info