The Centre of International Studies yesterday (21 May 2002) launched the Programme for Security in International Society. This new initiative will undertake a fundamental re-examination of the nature of instability and insecurity facing the global community, in the wake of the recent tragic world-wide events.

The Programme will draw together scholars from across the University in a cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural programme encompassing political science, history, international relations, economics, theology, psychology and law. This diverse collection of expertise reflects the complexity of the current global environment in which social, cultural and religious factors have become as important as political, commercial and military ones.

The Programme will support a range of research projects. Its initial activities will include studies of suicide bombers; how informal, illegal transnational networks affect institutional systems; the religious and political tensions in Saudi Arabia, and the role of risk management in insecure economic and political environments.

"Many said that the events of 11 September changed everything, but it is clear that for most people the world has remained much as before," said Professor James Mayall, Director of the Centre of International Studies. "But the attacks on the World Trade Centre and the Pentagon have served to highlight the very complex challenges we face in the post-Cold War era."

Professor Sir Alec Broers, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge, praised the new Programme:

"The task we face is a large one but the University's unique fund of intellectual capital can make a real contribution to meeting this challenge."

Photo courtesy of United Nations

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