The Global Security Initiative seeks to re-define human and international security for the twenty-first century, focusing on the intersection of state power, new organizations, and global violence.

Principal Investigator:

Jeremi Suri, Chair and Professor of History
Dr. Suri's blog: Politics, Global Affairs and the 2008 Election

Project Overview:

The Global Security Initiative builds on the research and programs sponsored by WAGE and its Governing Global Insecurities collaborative since 2005. The initiative is inspired by three observations about contemporary international relations. First, the power and influence of nation-states, as traditionally defined, are contested but still deeply relevant. Second, new institutional structures -- especially inter- and non-governmental organizations -- are recalibrating common definitions and policies for human security. Third, and perhaps most important, the spread and diffusion of violence threatens to reverse the many positive gains from globalization. The Global Security Initiative seeks to understand the intersection of these three issues -- state power, new organizations, and global violence -- in its efforts to help re-define security for the twenty-first century.

The Global Security Initiative will draw on historical, theoretical, and contemporary insights from a wide diversity of disciplines. Activities will center on scholarly workshops, public lectures, and new intellectual collaborations. We also will sponsor publications and policy papers for a lasting influence. For students and teachers, the Global Security Initiative will post summaries and video recordings from its events on the web for easy access.

The Global Security Initiative has forged a diverse range of scholarly and public partnerships, including the following institutions: the Wisconsin Veterans Museum, the Madison Committee on Foreign Relations, the International Institute, the European Union Center of Excellence, and the Department of History at the University of Wisconsin. Sponsored programs have included visits to Madison by some of the leading historians, political scientists, and security specialists in the United States. We intend to bring more quality visitors of this kind to Madison, and build additional partnerships with major public institutions.

Registration is now open for A History of U.S. Grand Strategy, an online summer course taught by WAGE senior fellow Jeremi Suri.