Doctor of Philosophy in International Relations - International Security Studies

The International Security Studies field consists of courses that examine the sources, conduct and termination of conflict, decision-making, strategy, and statecraft, crisis management, regional security, intelligence, and new and complex security issues that exist along the continuum between war and peace. The field encompasses approaches that are both theoretical and practical, as well as historical and contemporary. Course offerings reflect enduring security challenges and opportunities, as well as those that are at the forefront of today's increasingly dynamic 21st Century international security environment, including ethnic, sectarian, and religious conflict, internal war and state failure, the management of humanitarian emergencies by alliances and international organizations, conflict and power in cyber space, the use of military force in peace operations, the role of women in national security, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and the role of ethics in security policy. In support of its course offerings, the International Security Studies Program sponsors a senior level guest lecture series, a conference with one of the U.S. military services or commands, a colloquium series, and a crisis simulation exercise.