Security in a changing world

Welcome to the Centre for the study of Global Security and Development at Queen Mary, University of London. Security and development are among the most pressing issues of our time, yet too often they are considered apart. The great emphasis placed upon security by modern states has substantial implications for the political, economic and social development of nations and people, however, and the uneven effects of globalisation continue to create insecurities that contemporary political discourse seems unable or unwilling to address. What, then, are the costs as well as the benefits of different approaches to social, political and economic security? And who gets to decide?

The Centre for the study of Global Security and Development at Queen Mary, University of London is a joint collaboration between the departments of Geography, Politics and Business Management, with members drawn from across the College, that aims to address these and other questions. It offers a novel space for research and dialogue on development and security-related issues in the context of globalisation.

Through undertaking our own research and by hosting talks, seminars and debates, we hope to promote a more critical understanding of the way in which 'security' is defined, understood, and deployed, be that in terms of economic and livelihood security, of emergent forms of biosecurity, of the competing claims of state security and human security, or of the broader freedoms that may be developed or compromised in the name of security itself.

Further information about our work can be found here. You can contact us here if you are interested in getting involved in any of our activities.

Image of Predator aircraft, copywrite JamesDale10; Afghan Man copywrite delli-pizzi/fotolia