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The word ‘security’ is omnipresent in media, politics and daily conversations. But what does it actually mean? What makes one feel secure? And, more importantly, how is security organised in order to improve it and what are effective ways to deal with (violent) conflicts? In other words, in what ways is security governed?

This three-week programme will give students an in-depth look into the ways in which thinking and speaking about security have changed over time, and how stakeholders on various levels deal with conflicts and security, ranging from the international arena to the state and from private security companies to communities and individuals.

Topics that will be discussed include international security, new wars, human security, “Responsibility to Protect”, human rights, national security in a globalising world, cyber security, private security companies, gated communities, and citizens’ initiatives in war situations.

In addition to the regular lectures by academic director dr. Martijn Dekker, several guest lectures of prominent experts in the field will be organised, as well as a number of excursions, including visits to Brussels, The Hague and various interesting sites in and around the vibrant city of Amsterdam.