Published on 6 February 2026

Leadership and Communication

The Leadership and Communication Studies at the Military Academy at ETH Zurich is rethinking military leadership – in a networked, responsible and future-oriented way.

  • We research how people lead, make decisions and work together under pressure – from mission command and leadership ethics to the use of technology.
  • Our work combines scientific depth with practical training and prepares officers for complex challenges – today and tomorrow.
  • At the same time, we demonstrate the added value that military leadership concepts generate for business, society and civil organisations – and how they can be applied.

In an increasingly volatile security situation in Europe, excellent military leadership is crucial:
for defence capability, capacity to act and stability.

Main Areas of Research

  • Leadership and defence capabilities
  • Command and mission command
  • Leadership and followership
  • Management and technology
  • Military and war ethics
  • Leadership ethics and leadership responsibility
  • Heuristic management processes
  • Wargaming and simulations
  • Military leadership training
  • Civilian transfer benefits of military leadership

Leadership and Communication

Dr. Patrick Hofstetter

Dr. Patrick Hofstetter
Dozent Führung und Kommunikation

patrick.hofstetter (@) vtg.admin.ch
+41 58 489 28 80

Employees