The Ford Institute for Human Security
The Ford Institute for Human Security engages in independent and collaborative research on causes of political violence, the effects of conflict on civilians, methods of conflict resolution, and transitions from conflict to stable peace. We make our research findings available through publications, presentations and consultation to national and international policy makers, non-governmental organizations and other interested parties.
The Ford Institute treats human security and national security as mutually reinforcing. The gravest threats to human security arise when governments are unable or unwilling to protect their population from internal and external threats. Governments face their greatest challenges when the lives and livelihoods of the people they govern are threatened.
Human Security at GSPIA
The Graduate School of Public and International Affairs offers a major concentration in human security for degree candidates in International Affairs and International Development. The major adopts a broad definition of human security as the protection of people from large-scale threats to their physical and economic well being. The Ford Institute and the human security major together make GSPIA a leader in research and education concerning the complex security challenges people face in this rapidly changing world.