New Zealand is committed to playing a part in maintaining a secure world. International security is the action taken to prevent and deal with conflicts, and protect people and their way of life. This may involve military action, peacekeeping, capacity building, dialogue with key partners and diplomatic agreements such as treaties and conventions.
Threats to security
Some of the major security threats the world faces today include:
- Terrorism – terrorism remains a major threat to international security.
- Climate change – addressing climate change will be one of the greatest global challenges in the coming decades. Climate change exacerbates fragilities within states and poses a challenge to human security.
- Weapons of mass destruction – disarmament has been slow. New Zealand advocates for the elimination of nuclear weapons, in view of their risks, and the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of use.
- Cyber security – both criminal and state-sponsored attacks are common online.
- People smuggling and trafficking – continuing conflicts, unrest, political oppression, poverty and lack of opportunity have lead to an explosion in irregular migration.
- Space security – international concern is growing about the use and potential misuse of the space.
Our role in international security
New Zealand actively participates in the international campaign against terrorism, we contribute to peacekeeping operations and vigorously encourage initiatives to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. We work with other governments and in regional and international forums such as the UN, the Pacific Islands Forum and the ASEAN Regional Forum to promote wider security cooperation and stability.
MFAT’s International Security and Disarmament Division (ISED) has responsibility for international security and disarmament/non-proliferation policy.
Read more about New Zealand's role in regional security
Find out about our peace support operations
Read more about the challenges facing New Zealand in the Ministry’s Strategic Assessment
Read more about New Zealand's work to promote the Women, Peace and Security Agenda