Dr. Dries Putter brings a wealth of military and academic expertise to his current roles at the Faculty of Military Science, Stellenbosch University. Since 2021, he has served as the Chair for the School of Security and Africa Studies, overseeing strategic initiatives and research in security studies. Dr. Putter also holds the position of Chair of the Faculty of Military Science Research Committee, where he facilitates scholarly activities and promotes academic excellence within the faculty. His career in the South African Department of Defence spans over three decades, beginning in 1988 as a SA Navy Marine. Dr. Putter’s early roles included Marine Instruction and service as a Naval Officer on various vessels. In 1998, he transitioned to Defence Intelligence, followed by a significant tenure in the Special Forces Brigade research and development section starting in 2001. From 2003 onwards, he held pivotal positions at the Secretariat for Defence, contributing to defence policy and international engagements. Dr. Putter’s professional journey is distinguished by his representation of the Defence Material Division at international forums, including the Wassenaar Arrangement expert meetings in Vienna from 2016. His extensive global engagements have afforded him insights into diverse security landscapes and informed his research on hybrid warfare, intelligence, and defence industry dynamics. As a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Strategic Studies, Dr. Putter imparts his knowledge in courses such as Counterintelligence, Military Strategy, and Information Warfare Philosophy. He is also actively involved in international teaching collaborations, including sessions at Arctic University Tromsø (UiT), Norway. Dr. Putter’s research contributions are prolific, focusing on Defence & Security themes such as intelligence, counterintelligence, covert action, and hybrid warfare. He collaborates with esteemed institutions like Canberra University (Australia) and University West (Sweden), exploring cutting-edge topics funded by organizations like the Swedish Foundation for International Cooperation in Research and Higher Education (STINT). Throughout his career, Dr. Dries Putter has demonstrated leadership in military education, research, and international security cooperation, making significant strides in advancing knowledge and practice in military science and defence studies.
Research Interest:
Dr. Dries Putter’s research interests are rooted in Defence & Security studies, with a primary focus on intelligence, counterintelligence, covert action, hybrid warfare, and defence industry dynamics. His academic pursuits explore the complexities of modern security challenges, including the implications of hybrid warfare strategies and the role of intelligence in national security. Dr. Putter’s research also delves into the intersection of technology and information warfare, examining how these elements shape contemporary military strategies and operations. His work contributes to a deeper understanding of defence policy, military strategy, and the evolving threats facing global security environments.
Publication: