A New Look at Security

A national security initiative by an EMU professor titled "3D Security" calls for a fresh approach, beginning with an invitation for the world to visually share what security means to them.

The American flag, children playing, a family gathered in a cozy house, a beautiful field of flowers and soldiers posing with smiling children, these are the images representing security that are cycling on the 3D Security Websites photo gallery. The caption below the gallery invites users to post pictures of what security means to them so the images can be shared with people all over the world.

The website is the online home of the 3D security initiative which was started by Lisa Schirch, Center for Justice and Peacebuilding professor and author, as a way to show the U.S. government that military might is not the right approach to solve the world's problems. The 3D idea was inspired by Schirch's work in eastern and western Africa in 2002. Working with EMU graduates who were seeking nonviolent solutions, she realized that these peacemakers were very involved with the government and policy change. This stood in contrast to some U.S. Mennonites who view the government with skepticism and generally doubt its viability as an avenue for change.

The three Ds of the initiative's title stand for Development, Diplomacy, and Defense. Certain Mennonite organizations, such as the Mennonite Central Committee, have traditionally excelled at the development aspect. Said Schirch, "Mennonites' approach to the world is partnering with communities. They invest money in the communities abroad, which ultimately leads to the development of better communities."

Diplomacy involves communications and negotiations that use available channels to address and resolve conflicts. The 3D initiative recognizes and utilizes both "Track 1," official government negotiations, and "Track II," informal citizen based dialogues. By boosting the U.S.'s use of both these channels, 3D hopes to use communication tools as a viable foreign policy tool, rather than a reward for good behavior or last resort.

Defense is the branch the U.S. has overemphasized in the past, according to Schirch. "The military realizes that the military approach is not going to fix the problems," commented Schirch, "they are trying to figure out what works and how to get civilian relief organizations the funds they need. They also recognize and respect the progress Mennonites have made in the peace building arena."

The 3D initiative is ultimately a grassroots program that needs support from Mennonites and non-Mennonites alike who desires a more secure world. "Right now we're focusing on uploading photos to the website," remarked Schirch, "we're even considering approaching celebrities to get pictures of what they value." EMU students can help the 3D initiative by visiting http://www.3dsecurity.org and uploading pictures of what security means to them. They can also assist in spreading word about the initiative to their friends and family in other states or who may not be familiar with the CJP program.