Challenges to national defence in contemporary geopolitical situation

This paper examines how Professional Miliary Education (PME) can enhance strategic-level learning deliberate through curriculum design, active teaching methods, and faculty engagement. Using the Higer Command Studies Course at the Baltic Defence College as a case study, the research draws on document analysis, semi-structured interviews, and observation. The findings demonstrate that active learning, peer interaction, and skilled facilitation significantly strengthen strategic judgment and decision-making. While multinational diversity enriches learning, it also requires deliberate management to ensure intellectual interoperability. The study offers practical implications for PME institutions seeking to improve strategic-level competence development in an increasingly complex security environment.