International Security

Research depart­ment I studies the classic field of inter­national security policy: States seek security, their own, that of their citizens, and of political, economic, and environ­mental relation­ships. How states pursue this goal is crucial for the main­tenance of peace and the risk of violent conflict. The depart­ment’s empirical work focuses on those practices and strategies of states that are associated with military violence or that seek to prevent or limit its application. Highest priority is given to the latest develop­ments and dynamics in warfare, the trans­formation of norms and rules regarding the legitimate use of force, and arms control. Besides conducting basic theoretical research, research depart­ment I has a long-standing expertise in policy consultation and an ongoing interest in the policy issues of arms control, dis­arma­ment and the non-pro­liferation of weapons of mass destruction.