CAGS Mission

The security challenges facing the United States and the global community in the early 21st century penetrate many policy areas and place increasing political, economic, legal, and social demands on governments, international organizations, the private sector, and communities. Indiana University created the Center on American and Global Security (CAGS) in March 2007 to enhance and expand the teaching, research, and service mission of the University with respect to the security challenges facing the United States and international relations in the 21st century.

Threats to U.S. and global security no longer emanate only from the military power of rival States. Security threats now arise from the collapse of States, the potential diffusion of weapons of mass destruction into the hands of non-State actors, the threat of disease pandemics, and the instability triggered by humanitarian crises related to natural disasters or environmental degradation. Achieving homeland, national, and global security in a world characterized by globalization constitutes a more complex challenge that requires innovation in policy, technology, and governance. Building on Indiana University's nationally and globally recognized expertise and experience in many academic fields relevant to security policy, CAGS serves as the focal point of Indiana University's commitment to helping governments, educational institutions, international organizations, corporations, non-governmental entities, and populations in Indiana, the United States, and abroad respond effectively to the diverse threats that affect the security of communities all over the world.

In this role, CAGS will: