War raises some of the most difficult moral questions societies face. At a time marked by renewed geopolitical tensions and ongoing armed conflicts, a central dilemma emerges: When is the use of force justified – and what responsibilities do those involved carry once conflict begins? As technological advances – from autonomous systems to cyber capabilities – reshape warfare, these questions become even more complex, blurring established boundaries and challenging existing norms. At the same time, they reach beyond the battlefield, raising broader questions of responsibility: how should defense spending be prioritized, what ethical limits should guide research and development, and what role should the defense industry play in shaping security policy?

The 2026 Socrates Moldova seminar will welcome participants from the Black Sea Region, particularly Ukraine and Romania.  The seminar will tackle topics related to energy security, critical infrastructures, regional interconnections and societal resilience, in the context of multiple hybrid threats and Republic of Moldova’s path to European integration.

Across cultures and centuries, human beings have returned to a simple but enduring question: What makes us human?

The Socrates Program is excited to host our annual Winter Seminars! We will be offering three seminar options. The seminar tuition is $3,000. Limited scholarships are available by application.