Mershon Center for International Security Studies

The Mershon Center for International Security Studies (Mershon Center) explores the human and social dimensions of complex security challenges. Through research and engagement, we reframe the big issues as we create new models for ground-level problem-solving. The thick connections between international, national, and human security challenges call for interaction across disciplines. The Mershon Center convenes faculty and students from all fields involved analytically and/or practically with diplomacy, conflict, peacebuilding, governance, cooperative problem-solving, and related concerns. We foster conversation with practitioners and policymakers. The mission of the Mershon Center is to advance interdisciplinary and collaborative approaches to international, national, and human security. The Mershon Center is an academic center located in the Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences of the [College of Arts and Sciences](https://artsandsciences.osu.edu/) at [The Ohio State University](https://www.osu.edu/). We have no direct involvement in degree programs or course offerings. Instead, we conduct and fund research, trainings, workshops, and programming activities. Our annual signature events, the [Joseph J. Kruzel. Jr. Lecture](https://mershoncenter.osu.edu/about/kruzel) and the [Edgar R. Furniss Book Award](https://mershoncenter.osu.edu/about/furniss-book-award), celebrate the memory and achievements of our early leaders. The Mershon Center was formally established by The Ohio State University Trustees in 1967 with a bequest by [Col. Ralph D. Mershon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ralph_D._Mershon) for the exploration of matters pertaining to national security and principles of good citizenship. Much of our annual operating budget comes from the Ralph D. Mershon Fund. Additional endowments support [faculty chairs in national security, military history, and peace studies](https://mershoncenter.osu.edu/about/endowed-positions), along with research, outreach, and scholarships in peace studies.