Easily recognizable however is the incidence of conflict in international and domestic society which might range from crisis situations high intensity conflicts to low intensity disputes. Wars, subversion, sanctions, border and maritime disputes, intimidation, nuclear blackmail are among others major causes of concern to the security and survival of states which have an impact on local societies. Equally important are the role of trade protectionism, structural dependence and vulnerabilities which pit the less developed nations against the developed states. Worthy of mention is also the clash of ideas, norms, values and the issue of morality in international politics.

Most states in Asia are recent post-colonial constructs grappling with issues of nationhood on the one hand and the centrifugal forces of religious and ethnic sectarian violence and secessionism on the other often against the backdrop of state repression. Increasingly, attention has also come to focus on land reforms, environmental conflicts, labour unrest and other centre-periphery tensions. Not to be forgotten entire processes of conflict is the human condition which raises issues like humanitarian intervention in sovereign states and the doctrine of non-interference.

The traditional focus on conflict and peace situations has generally been among and within the sovereign states. In a globalized world, attention has also increased on the role of transnational phenomena such as illegal migration, piracy, narcotic trade, terrorism, and political activism.

While the examination of the roots and the dynamics of conflict are central research questions, equally important are the measures and approached taken to resolve, regulate, moderate and also avoid conflict situations. Thereafter, it is also important to building upon the peace situation.

The Conflict, Peace and Human Security Studies Program centres around these issues. It seeks to propound broad generalizations about conflict and peace situations based on comparative analysis. The Conflict, Peace and Human Security Studies Working Group coordinates this program. The group organizes specific Research Projects around which members, along their areas of expertise, converge.

In 2012, APISA launched the Human Security Program, which aims at promoting awareness about human-security related issues in Asia and consists of a series of academic events organized by APISA and its partner institutions.