Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy

Our impact

We are tackling some of the most critical security challenges of our time, from peacekeeping and counterterrorism to the impacts of climate change and emerging technologies. Through partnerships with governments, NGOs and industry, we turn research into meaningful, real-world solutions.

Our world-leading research influences international security debates, policy and practice. Whether supporting emergency response planning for crises like terrorist attacks, pandemics and flooding, advancing military ethics education to save lives, or fostering transparency and trust in biodefence, our work makes a lasting difference. Our ultimate goal is to ensure we are well-equipped to confront the evolving challenges of conflict, defence, security and international politics—today and in the future.

Empowering Communities to Resolve Conflicts with Dr Sukanya Podder

Dr Sukanya Podder, Reader in Post-war Reconstruction and Peacebuilding, discusses her groundbreaking research on peacekeeping. Through this work, she promotes peaceful, unarmed solutions that empower communities to resolve conflicts without resorting to armed action.

Shaping Global Cyber Diplomacy with Dr Tim Stevens

Professor Tim Stevens, Reader in International Security, discusses his project 'Cyber Statecraft in an Era of Systemic Competition'. The project aims to provide practical recommendations to help policymakers strengthen the UK’s position as a responsible and democratic cyber power. He explains how this research will shape the UK’s approach to navigating the complex world of cyber diplomacy and global competition.

The London Defence Conference

The London Defence Conference is the annual geopolitical gathering held at Bush House, King’s College London. It was established in partnership with the School of Security Studies following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Each year, Security and defence experts and leading political figures from around the world attend to discuss how to better navigate the geopolitical and geo-economic challenges – both now and in the future.

Read more about the conference

Insights from our community: The war in Ukraine explained

Following the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, academics from our School of Security Studies and King’s Russia Institute are sharing their expert analysis of how things got to this point, what we know so far and what might happen next.