Institute of International Relations

The Department of International Security, as a separate organizational unit within the Institute of International Relations at Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, was established in 2019 on the basis of the existing scientific and didactic potential, including ongoing research and a team of researchers specializing in security issues, as well as the National Security curriculum. Its establishment was prompted by the growing interest in security matters and the increasing demand for expert knowledge, alongside the imperative for closer integration between research and teaching. The Department is dedicated to consolidating and advancing research in the broad realm of security, overseeing the quality of the National Security Programme educational process, and disseminating knowledge, experience, and research findings. An integral part of the Department's scientific and research activity is the organization of national and international scientific conferences addressing various aspects of security, with a particular focus on Central and Eastern Europe. Additionally, the Department's staff serve as experts on national and international security, engaging with media and collaborating with public and private sector institutions."

The Department is created by people conducting research in the field of security and teaching on the National Security course. The ambition of the faculty members is to integrate different research areas and perspectives, to initiate and develop research beyond the usual patterns of thinking and to seek creative solutions to contemporary security problems that require specialised knowledge, skills and competences.

In addition to their research and teaching activities, the Department's members engage in expert and popularisation activities. They cooperate with the external environment, including stakeholders operating in the national security sector and foreign entities. They mentor students interested in security issues, in particular supporting the activities of the National Security Academic Circle and the functioning of the Academic Legion. They also co-organise the Security and Defence Knowledge Competition. 

Scientific and research profile of the Department of International Security 

The Department's staff focus their research on: 

• Security theory and methodology
• International security systems
• Dimensions of international security
• Contemporary threats to international security
• National security policies and strategies
• Conflict and peace studies
• Strategic culture
• Security of the Central and Eastern European States
• Evolution of international security
• Relations between the jurisdictional and administrative spheres of the ordinary courts