What Is International Security?

In July 2025, residents of 25 countries were asked to name their most important ally. For more than half of these countries, the ally that received the most votes was the United States. This is largely due to our country’s role in international relations and its place in the global arena.

International security, as part of a broader concept of international relations, involves collaboration between nations to mitigate individual or collective threats and increase the safety and security of their citizens, military personnel, and protect economic interests. With a bachelor’s degree in security studies , students can prepare to have a transformative role in the future of international security.

Defining International Security

International security is a collection of measures taken by countries, international organizations, and private entities to ensure their mutual safety, prevent future conflict, and maintain fruitful relationships. These measures include diplomatic measures, military action, economic forms of coercion or support, as well as cross-border communication networks.

When international security is discussed, the focus is often on safety from the perspective of physical threats. However, international security also encompasses threats such as climate events and pandemics, which brings in the Human Security paradigm.

Why International Security Matters

The need for preserving international security has increased with globalization and the growing interconnectedness of the world’s economies, populations, and cultures.

Globalization has increased the cross-border movement of people and goods, potentially influencing the spread of infectious diseases and straining resources, among other challenges. The downside of it was bringing the threats that had previously existed thousands of miles away to the doorsteps of ordinary citizens. Those who work in international security collaborate across borders to address the challenges of globalization and protect each country’s citizens who may be impacted.

Careers in International Security

International security is built on the belief that we’re responsible for protecting people, our governments, and ideas across borders. Careers in international security are ideal paths for those who feel a calling to protect others.

Homeland Security Analyst

A homeland security analyst evaluates collected intelligence to identify risks before a security threat can occur. They work closely with law enforcement and other federal agencies to ensure that decision-makers on these teams have a complete understanding of the threat and can recommend effective approaches to neutralize it.

Before becoming a homeland security analyst, one typically needs to acquire a four-year college degree, such as a bachelor’s degree in security studies, criminal justice, or a related field. They’re also expected to have prior experience in intelligence collection, signal intelligence, and intelligence analysis .

As professionals in a security field working for the federal government, homeland security analysts are also expected to pass a background check. Depending on the specialization of the security analyst, there may be additional requirements, such as attending a training academy.

According to Payscale, homeland security analysts earned a median annual salary of $98,000 as of June 2025.

Defense Analyst

A defense analyst typically works with organizations within the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC), which includes organizations like the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), and National Security Agency (NSA), to help them predict and prepare for attacks on public safety. They assess our defense capabilities of our adversaries and competitive rivals to identify potential weaknesses, monitor threats, and assist in the development of defense systems and tools.

Future defense analysts should start by obtaining a bachelor’s degree, particularly in security studies, political science, or a similar field. They’re also expected to gain experience in defense first through entry-level positions, such as working in security for a private corporation.

Additional requirements depend on the organization within the IC that a defense analyst intends to join. In general, a defense analyst must pass a qualification exam, pass a background check, qualify for security clearance, and provide references. However, different agencies often have agency-specific training that a defense analyst must first go through before earning their first personal assignments.

According to Payscale, defense analysts earn a median annual salary of $70,300 as of September 2025.

Foreign Affairs Officer

A foreign affairs officer, also known as a foreign service officer , works primarily for the U.S. Department of State (DOS), serving as a diplomat at one of more than 270 U.S. embassies, consulates, or diplomatic missions worldwide. In addition to working to advance vital U.S. national interests, these foreign affairs officers assist other countries in addressing global issues, developing alliances, and promoting peace.

These federal employees generally work in one of five career tracks: consular, economics, management, political, and public diplomacy. Job duties and daily responsibilities vary based on the chosen track. The job of a Foreign Affairs Officer is not limited to DOS; other federal agencies have foreign affairs officers working in different capacities, such as the Department of Defense and Department of Energy.

To become a foreign affairs officer , one typically first needs a bachelor’s degree in a social science field such as security studies, global affairs, or political science. They must also be a U.S. citizen between the ages of 21 and 59 on the day of their appointment, be able to serve both domestically and abroad, and pass any tests associated with their position, such as the Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT), as well as all medical, security, and suitability clearances.

According to Payscale, foreign service officers or foreign affairs officers earned a median annual salary of about $85,000 as of June 2025.

Protect the World With East Carolina University®

Globalization has made the world more interconnected. While there are many benefits, there are also increased risks, which is why understanding what international security is matters so greatly to the world as a whole. International security breaks down borders, allowing countries to work together to combat threats that endanger us all.

With the online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Security Studies Flight Path Program at East Carolina University , students have the chance to learn skills that prepare them for a career in international security through a flexible degree program. They gain comprehensive knowledge of political science, homeland and international security, and threats and policy responses, all crucial for predicting and preparing for international security threats.

Start your new career in international security with ECU Online.

Recommended Readings

5 Law Enforcement Careers for Security Studies Graduates

What Is the Civil Service? Definition and Careers

4 International Security Careers to Consider

Sources:

FBIJobs.gov, Intelligence Analysts

Hasanuddin Journal of International Affairs, “The Concept of International Security”

Indeed, “How To Become a Foreign Service Officer (FSO) or Diplomat”

Payscale, Average Defense Analyst Salary

Payscale, Average Foreign Service Officer Salary

Payscale, Average Salary for U.S. Department of Homeland Security Employees

Peterson Institute for International Economics, What Is Globalization?

Pew Research Center, “Who Do People Think Is Their Country’s Most Important Ally”

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “National Security Defined”