International Working Group on National Security

CSSM’s International Working Group on National Security (IWGNS) has been formed to promote the intellectual development and systematic study of national security policy formulation and the broader implications for a range of related policy instruments. Members of the working group bring with them a background in both strategic planning and the facilitation of national security and development processes. The Group responds to requests to facilitate national security planning processes for both bilateral and multilateral partners, and contributes to national security training and education programmes at Cranfield. The formulation of more robust and well-articulated national security frameworks has been recognized in recent years as critical in ensuring that progress in the national development of a range of transitional states is safeguarded - and in ensuring a more effective international system.

The Group will identify specific areas where further data and research is needed, lead in research programmes by engaging with other academic partners and policy stakeholders, and engage with the policy community and wider civil society in sharing the Working Group’s thinking.

The IWGNS definition of National Security

"National Security is the first and most important obligation of government. It involves not just the safety and security of the country and its citizens. It is a matter of guarding national values and interests against both internal and external dangers - threats that have the potential to undermine the security of the state, society and citizens. It must include not just freedom from undue fear of attack against their person, communities or sources of their prosperity and sovereignty, but also the preservation of the political, economic and social values - respect for the rule of law, democracy, human rights, a market economy and the environment - which are central to the quality of life in a modern state."

IWGNS Global Policy Paper Series

The Global Policy Brief Series is meant to provide analyses and useful methodologies on challenges related to national security planning in order to support policy development and education.

Working Group members:

National Security News

Recent Documents