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Welcome to
The Athena Initiative
This is the official website for the Athena Initiative, which convenes the Elliott School’s curriculum, scholarly research and engagement in the policy and practice of promoting and achieving human security globally. Through the Athena Initiative, the Elliott School equips future international affairs professionals with the knowledge and skills to advance human security through broad areas of their future professional careers.
Why study human security?
1.
Human Security is recognized as a critical concept in fully understanding processes of globalization, international development, humanitarian crises, violent extremism, war, and peace-building
2.
Human Security is central to how societies are structured and includes power dynamics and hierarchies, and the roles and responsibilities of women and men, the valuing of girls and boys, and how they are positioned within the family, community, and broader society.
3.
Human security analysis identifies power dynamics between and amongst different populations and demographics; and examines why such disparities exist, discusses the harms inherent, and looks at how they can be addressed through policymaking.
Upcoming Events
Tuesday, 9/1/2026, All day
Launching a new all-male leadership team of students who are interested in promoting the study of gender in IA amongst male students.
Dr. Jamie Hagen discussing her new book “Queering the Women, Peace and Security Agenda”
Thursday, 9/24/2026, 5:00pm - 6:30pm
Dr. Jamie Hagen will be visiting GW to discuss her new book Queering the Women, Peace and Security Agenda.
First Anniversary of the Athena Initiative featuring a panel discussion on ‘Goddess Culture”
Saturday, 9/26/2026, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Bringing together experts on the classics, history, anthropology, archeology, mythology with international affairs experts
Book Launch: “Women, Peace and Security (WPS) in Canada and the United States: A Fragmented Peace”
Thursday, 10/1/2026, All day
This event will take place in October to mark the 26th Anniversary of the WPS agenda (UNSCR 1325, 2000) in collaboration with Women for Women International.
Athena Initiative Non-Resident Scholars Art-Based Dialogue on Conflict, Peace, and Security
Thursday, 10/1/2026, All day
Work with students across the Elliott School to develop a Women, Peace & Security Art Showcase focused on approaches to conflict resolution and peacebuilding th
Contact Us
If you have questions, please reach out to us via email.
Athena Initiative Contact: athenagw
gwu [dot] edu (athenagw[at]gwu[dot]edu)