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, human and national security emerge 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 recognize 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.
The field of peace work offers a diverse range of career opportunities across various sectors and institutions worldwide.
Human security is an interdisciplinary field, so careers often focus on protecting people rather than just borders. Professionals in this space work to reduce poverty, prevent conflict, and respond to humanitarian crises. Some common human security careers include:
Because human security intersects with international relations, public health, and development studies, graduate programs in peacebuilding, human rights, and global policy are common next steps for students who want to enter this field.
National security careers focus on protecting a country’s sovereignty, infrastructure, and citizens from external and internal threats. These roles are often based in government agencies, the military, or private security firms. Examples include:
Many of these roles require security clearances, specialized training, or graduate education in fields like international relations, security studies, or cybersecurity.
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.
Human security addresses global issues like climate change, pandemics, poverty, and displacement — all of which can lead to instability if left unaddressed.
Yes. Many professionals work at the intersection of both fields, combining people-centered approaches with state-level security strategies.
In global politics, human security shifts the focus from defending borders to protecting people, influencing peacebuilding, international development, and humanitarian aid policies.
The U.S. National Security Council (NSC) advises the President on national security and foreign policy, coordinating efforts between military, intelligence, and diplomatic agencies.
National security focuses on safeguarding the state, while human security prioritizes individual safety and well-being. Both are complementary in building lasting peace.
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.
Students can also specialize their studies through the Security Studies Concentration, which examines pressing issues like national and human security, conflict prevention, terrorism, and peacebuilding strategies. This concentration is ideal for those who want to work at the intersection of security policy, human rights, and global justice—preparing graduates to tackle complex threats to peace at local, national, and international levels.
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.
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