About CUSA
The Center for Unconventional Security Affairs (CUSA) was established in 2003 at the University of California, Irvine as the innovative hub of a global research network that studies and develops solutions to unconventional security challenges through practical research on sustainability and global change. CUSA undertakes interdisciplinary research to understand and develop solutions to challenges such as the human dimensions of climate change; the links between environment, conflict, and peace; global terrorist networks; and transnational threats to health and food security. CUSA's education programs prepare the next generation of leaders and researchers and our public service activities enhance awareness, preparedness and response to help policymakers and community address emerging security challenges that impact our families, communities, and our nation.
CUSA's Mission
Technological innovation, economic globalization, and the spread of democracy have dramatically transformed the security landscape. While the incidence of war has declined, other threats have moved onto the agenda, ranging from global terrorist networks to environmental change to infectious disease. The Center for Unconventional Security Affairs addresses the security challenges of the twenty-first century through innovative research and education programs that integrate experts from the public and private sector.
A Global Network for Research and Education
CUSA conducts its research and education programs though an innovative global network that includes over 50 affiliated faculty and students at the University of California, Irvine and is guided by an active Advisory Board of more than 60 academic, governmental, non-governmental and business leaders from around the world. We work through partnerships with universities, think-tanks and non-governmental organizations across the world. In support of our belief in the value of field based research, our students have conducted research fieldwork in more than twenty-five countries and on all seven continents, including Antarctica.
This map shows our research partners and countries and continents were CUSA and our students have conducted fieldwork.
Research and Programs
CUSA's research, education and service activities are organized under two core areas of operations:
Human and Environmental Security
Activities in this area focus on identifying root causes of today's unconventional security challenges and developing solutions that empower and protect communities with heightened vulnerability to processes of global change. Left unsupported these communities can collapse into humanitarian crisis or become incubators of transnational crime, terrorism and political extremism. Because of our extensive and pioneering field work in war-torn societies and failed states, CUSA has received considerable attention in this area.
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Leadership and Preparedness
This core area focuses on developing simple and effective strategies to improve preparedness, readiness and response at local, organizational, regional, national and international levels. Integral to this challenge is training the next generation of leaders through funding field research, offering courses and providing internship opportunities. Our students and interns are gaining recognition through awards and scholarships, and moving into influential positions in research, government and business arenas in the US and abroad.