Specialization in Contemporary Military History

The Specialization in Contemporary Military History proposes studying armed conflicts since the mid-20th century and understanding their relationship with political, social, economic and cultural changes.

The degree brings together tools from history, strategy and research to analyze how war has transformed and what implications those processes have for defense. It is aimed at civilian and military professionals interested in deepening their knowledge of the contemporary world.

Degree information

• Degree awarded: Specialist in Contemporary Military History.
• Academic level: Graduate. Specialization.
• Duration: 1 year of coursework and completion of a Final Integrative Project.
• Published course load: 730 hours.
• Modality: Online, with asynchronous virtual interactions.
• University: Universidad de la Defensa Nacional.
• School: Facultad del Ejército.
• Academic unit: Escuela Superior de Guerra.

What does this specialization consist of?

Understanding an armed conflict requires connecting different factors and perspectives. The program develops a historical outlook that makes it possible to interpret events together with the ideas, institutions and social conditions of each period.

The program covers the international scenario after the Second World War, the Cold War and the transformations that followed its end. From that foundation, it offers tools to study the complexity of contemporary conflicts.

Training objectives

The specialization seeks to develop skills to:

• Interpret armed conflicts within their historical context.
• Connect political, social, economic and cultural factors.
• Recognize changes in military thinking and in ways of understanding war.
• Research problems using methodological tools from the social sciences.
• Develop arguments and critical judgments supported by analysis.

Study plan

The institutional profile lists five subjects:

• Contemporary International Politics: 88 hours.
• Geopolitics: 88 hours.
• Contemporary Military Thought: 200 hours.
• Contemporary Military History: 270 hours.
• Scientific Research Methodology: 84 hours.

Altogether, these subjects total 730 hours. The degree also requires passing the Final Integrative Project. Check program updates in the official academic information.

How is it studied at a distance?

The institution states that virtual interactions are asynchronous: they take place at different times, according to the organization and deadlines of the academic activities. This modality requires organizing study time and maintaining sustained participation in each subject's activities.

Graduate profile

The specialist is trained to analyze armed conflicts from a historical, strategic and multidisciplinary perspective. Their training allows them to connect events with broader processes and examine different interpretations of the evolution of war. They also develop tools to research, interpret information and draw well-founded conclusions about problems in the field of study.

Scope of the training

According to the reported profile, the degree prepares you to:

• Analyze contemporary armed conflicts from a comprehensive historical perspective.
• Apply quantitative and qualitative approaches in research.
• Understand the complex and changing dimension of 21st-century conflicts.
• Formulate critical judgments on the transformations of war and their relationship with national defense.
• Combine theory, analysis and research in the study of conflicts.

Career fields

The knowledge acquired can be applied in academic settings, defense system organizations and study centers related to history, strategy and international relations, according to each graduate's background and professional responsibilities.

Who is it for?

The program is intended for civilian professionals in the social sciences and humanities, military personnel with undergraduate education and graduates from other disciplines with background related to the field.

General admission requirements

• Hold a recognized related undergraduate university degree.
• Be able to read and understand texts in English.

The fact sheet also mentions four-year teaching degrees. Check the conditions for your education and background with the institution.

Assessment and Final Integrative Project

Assessment includes the activities planned for each subject, remote final exams, and approval of a Final Integrative Project. Academic participation is part of the requirements to maintain regular student status.

Enrollment

• Published opening: October 12, 2026.
• Published closing: December 4, 2026.
• Start of classes: to be confirmed by the institution.

The pre-enrollment process includes entering your information and submitting the required documentation for evaluation. Check the current instructions in the official degree fact sheet and go to the Escuela Superior de Guerra pre-enrollment portal.