Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ

ILSS Symposium to examine human security

November 28, 2022

Article By: Denise Ray

The Institute for Leadership and Strategic Studies (ILSS) at the University of North Georgia (Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ) will hold its seventh annual symposium April 5-6. Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ will host the event in partnership with the Army War College Strategic Studies Institute, the Army Strategist Association, the Association of the U.S. Army, and the Atlanta Council on International Relations.

Set for the Convocation Center on Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ's Dahlonega Campus, the symposium is titled "Human Security Challenges" and will explore the role of state, non-state, and international actors in solving or mitigating human security challenges.

"Human security, as a governing principle, emphasizes freedom from want and freedom from fear as opposed to traditional national security, which emphasizes sovereignty and territorial integrity," Dr. Edward Mienie, executive director of Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ's Bachelor of Arts in strategic and security studies program and partnerships, said. 

Threats to human security can manifest themselves on the personal, community, health, economic, political, food, and environmental levels, or any combination thereof, which in turn may contribute to state fragility negatively impacting a nation's national security interests.

Dr. Edward Mienie

executive director of Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ's Bachelor of Arts in strategic and security studies program and partnerships

"Threats to human security can manifest themselves on the personal, community, health, economic, political, food, and environmental levels, or any combination thereof, which in turn may contribute to state fragility negatively impacting a nation's national security interests.” 

Dr. Keith Antonia, a retired Army lieutenant colonel and ILSS executive director, is both chair of the symposium steering committee and its organizer.

"We’re bringing together experts, academics, and practitioners in fields related to human security to discuss current issues, future challenges, potential policies, resources, and actions that may mitigate those challenges," Antonia said. "We will have domestic and international participation from a number of foreign countries, universities, businesses, think tanks, and government agencies."

Speakers include Dr. Volker Franke, professor of conflict management at the School of Conflict Management, Peacebuilding and Development Affairs at Kennesaw State University, and Dr. Tony Pfaff, research professor for strategy, the military profession and ethics at the Strategic Studies Institute of the U.S.  Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Pfaff is also a senior non-resident fellow at the Atlantic Council. The third speaker will be Sarah Dawn Petrin, a nonresident senior fellow at the Transatlantic Security Initiative in the Atlantic Council’s Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security.

Although not necessary for attending, participants are invited to submit abstracts for panel presentations on topics related to the theme. The symposium planning group will select panelists from the highest quality submissions that are deemed most relevant.

The symposium is designed to be in person, but Zoom participation is available. Individuals must to receive the link.


International Women’s Day recognized with concert

International Women’s Day recognized with concert

The Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ Department of Music recognized International Women's Day with female student and faculty performances at the Gainesville Campus.
Students embrace chamber internships

Students embrace chamber internships

A Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ student and a recent alumnus have made the most of their internships with local chambers of commerce and begun to blaze their career paths thanks to those experiences.
Language skills help alum land job

Language skills help alum land job

Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ alumnus Alex Howell landed a job with an American risk management consulting company that supports Japanese clients after attending the 2024 Japan-Georgia Futures Forum.
Eight from Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ are Fulbright semifinalists

Eight from Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ are Fulbright semifinalists

Eight Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ students and alumni have been named Fulbright semifinalists for the 2026-27 academic year. All eight are pursuing the opportunity to be English teaching assistants.