In a world filled with complex challenges, understanding the dynamics of peace and security becomes paramount. Across the globe, peace stands as a cornerstone for societies to flourish and individuals to thrive. It embodies not only the absence of violence and conflict but also the presence of justice, dignity, and sustainable development. Within this context, security emerges as a fundamental need, providing the well-being and protection of individuals and communities.
Throughout this blog, we will reflect on the intricate connections between peace, human security, and national security. By grasping their collective significance, we aim to foster a world where human security and national security thrive in harmony.
What is Peace?
Peace, though seemingly simple, carries a depth that goes far beyond tranquility. It encompasses the presence of understanding, justice, and transformative relationships that foster sustainability and equity across communities and societies.
Peacebuilding has evolved into a comprehensive approach aimed at transforming conflicts into lasting and peaceful connections. It's about creating new patterns, processes, and structures that go beyond merely ending conflict and strive to build a sustainable world.
What is Peace and Security?
Peace and security (also called human security), as defined by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), focuses on preventing violations and strengthening the protection of human rights, even in situations of conflict and insecurity. It works hand in hand with human rights laws, aiming to safeguard individuals' rights amidst persecution and conflict.
Human security plays a crucial role by holding power accountable, preventing violent crime, and providing fair avenues to resolve conflicts. This type of security is defined by the United Nations as freedom from fear, freedom from want, and a life with dignity. It involves addressing not only physical needs but also emotional well-being to combat the fragments and trauma caused by violence in our world.
What is National Security?
National security, typically enacted by sovereign states, encompasses the protection of citizens, the economy, and institutions. It often involves high-level governance and may resort to extreme measures to de-escalate situations or protect a nation from external harm. National security is often reactionary and precautionary, aiming to address apparent threats and prevent further harm.
How Do Peace and Security and National Security Differ?
While both human security and national security aim to provide safe and secure environments for individuals to thrive and build relationships, their approaches and scopes differ. National security primarily focuses on maintaining peace on a larger scale through national laws and systems, aiming to protect citizens by keeping out security threats.
On the other hand, peace and security recognizes that security extends beyond external threats and requires building relationships and addressing social environments within cities, states, and nations. These two avenues to peace, human security and national security, are interdependent and cannot exist without each other.
What Are Some Careers in Human Security?
The field of peace work offers a diverse range of career opportunities across various sectors and institutions worldwide. One possible career path is a conflict mediator, where professionals play a pivotal role in resolving disputes and equipping communities with the necessary tools for peaceful conflict resolution.
Other roles in peace work include peace educators, policy analysts, development specialists, and peacebuilding practitioners. Salaries and growth opportunities in this field may vary depending on factors such as the organization's scale, location, and funding sources. Nevertheless, the potential to make a significant and meaningful impact in creating a more peaceful world is undeniable.
Whether you are passionate about peace and justice, conflict resolution, or human rights, a career in peace work offers an incredible opportunity to contribute to positive change and forge a path toward a more peaceful future.
Get Involved in Peace and Justice: USD Kroc’s MAPJ Program
The Kroc School of Peace Studies Master of Arts in Peace and Justice program addresses various challenges, including armed conflicts, refugee displacement issues, human rights, and environmental injustices.
In this two-year program, students experience a blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on learning, emphasizing experiential learning where theory is put into practice. The program offers both local and international field-based courses, allowing students to engage with real-world issues and make a tangible impact.
Whether your interest lies in international development, humanitarian aid, human rights, environmental policy, or peace and security, the MAPJ program equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue a career in these areas. Graduates of this program have made a global impact through careers in public and private sectors, intergovernmental organizations, and nonprofits.
Join us in our mission to create a more peaceful and just world by enrolling in the Master of Arts in Peace and Justice program at the University of San Diego. Or, you can download our guide on how to make peace and justice your full-time job.
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About the Author
The Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice (Kroc IPJ) launched in 2001 with a vision of active peacebuilding. In 2007, the Kroc IPJ became part of the newly established Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies, a global hub for peacebuilding and social innovation. The core of the Kroc IPJ mission is to co-create learning with peacemakers — learning that is deeply grounded in the lived experience of peacemakers around the world, that is made rigorous by our place within a university ecosystem and that is immediately and practically applied by peacemakers to end cycles of violence.
