International Law of Global Security, Peace and Development
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International Law of Global Security, Peace and Development
I currently serve as a Diplomat at the Department of International Law at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, based in Tbilisi.
What led me here is quite simple: a strong desire to work at the intersection of law, diplomacy, and human rights. I’ve always felt that international law is not just theory, but a living tool that can shape better futures – and this role allows me to put that belief into action.
I was looking for a programme that felt like more than just a Master’s degree. I wanted an education I was genuinely passionate about – one that combined law, politics, and real-world relevance, with the added bonus of cultural diversity and movement. ILGSPD gave me exactly that: a unique mix of countries, universities, people, and perspectives. It was demanding, but very meaningful.
The people. The diversity. The independence. The challenge.
Being surrounded by such a multicultural and passionate group was a highlight in itself. One specific milestone was the ICC Moot Court Competition – it was a major challenge, but it opened new directions in my path.
And the whole experience – constantly adapting, navigating new places and academic systems – taught me so much about resilience and self-trust.
Settling in and then moving again. The constant change of cities, languages, systems. It wasn’t always easy, but it taught me adaptability and resilience. And it’s that same adaptability that I now carry into my professional life.
The multidisciplinary nature of ILGSPD was essential. As someone coming from a law background, studying political science in Barcelona was new – and quite enriching. It shifted the way I analyse international issues and definitely helped me think beyond legal frameworks.
Also, the cultural awareness I developed – through the diversity of our cohort and the different countries we lived in – is something I use daily as a diplomat. Whether it’s communication, or collaboration, being able to adapt and understand different perspectives is key. ILGSPD gave me that capacity.
And of course, studying peace, security and human rights within the programme gave me the substance I now continue to work with professionally.
I think we leave the programme with a kind of global awareness that’s hard to teach in a classroom. We’ve lived with complex issues – not just studied them. We’ve learned to think critically, work across cultures, and communicate with empathy. That combination – intellectual depth and emotional intelligence – is powerful, including in the field of diplomacy, human rights, or international cooperation.
Because the world isn’t waiting. Armed conflicts, shrinking civic space, migration crises, climate injustice, gender inequality, digital surveillance – these aren’t just theoretical debates, they are urgent, lived realities. ILGSPD doesn’t just help you understand these global challenges – it gives you the tools, the mindset, and the network to act on them. Personally, it also increased my awareness of environmental issues – even small shifts, like choosing a vegetarian lifestyle (inspired by friends I met during the programme), became part of how I reflect on global responsibility. ILGSPD shapes people who care deeply and act thoughtfully. That kind of mindset is more needed than ever.
Take it all in – the challenges, the moments of joy, the confusion, the exhaustion – all of it contributes to your growth. ILGSPD will likely be one of the most intense and beautiful experiences of your life, so use it fully.
You won’t experience that exact environment again – being a pioneer in this programme is a huge privilege. You’ll face ups and downs, but that’s part of the journey. Try to define a plan for yourself, but don’t panic if it changes or feels unclear. It’s absolutely normal to feel a bit lost after two years of such intense movement – new countries, new people, new systems. It’s okay to need time to process it all.
Contact
Brooke Howie
Programme Administrator
University of Glasgow
Scotland, G12 8QQ
Telephone: +44 (0) 141 330 3583
Email: ilgspd@glasgow.ac.uk
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.