Within the paradigm of security studies

By, Vilma Spahiu & Blendi Lami & Kristaq Xharo

Abstract

Security studies curriculum remains an important commitment to lecturers and academics. As the security process is becoming increasingly asymmetrical, the concept of security is constantly changing. Security is not considered only a military or diplomatic dimension, but a comprehensive process. State institutions are supposed to cooperate at local, national and international level to meet the needs of the population to mitigate and prevent security threats. Therefore, education and qualification of those dealing with security enables analysis, expertise, management and leadership. Security study programs are part of a dynamic trend in universities, colleges, military academies and other research institutions. They have transcended the traditional concept, as it was applied during the Cold War. It is encouraging, but also challenging, that the European University of Tirana is successfully developing advanced modules on security studies. These are programs where the field of security is integrated not only with international relations and political science, but also with strategic studies, crisis and conflict management, negotiation, international organizations, history, geopolitics, philosophy, methodology, etc. The paper concludes that the old curriculum in the security field in Albanian universities and institutions, focusing on the traditional concept of territorial security, is challenged by the trend of innovative universities, such as the European University of Tirana, offering contemporary programs in this field.

How to cite: Spahiu, V., Lami, B., & Xharo, K. (2019). Within the paradigm of security studies. Polis, 18(1), 59–76.

https://doi.org/10.58944/vpdc1677