Leading the field in security policy

The Benson-Bertsch Center for International Trade & Security (CITS) is the hub for education, research, and outreach on national and international security issues at the University of Georgia.

Benson-Bertsch CITS was established in 1987 with the support of former U.S. Secretary of State Dean Rusk. Our mission is to empower students and professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to address the complex national and international security challenges of the 21st century. Benson-Bertsch CITS provides a dynamic learning environment that integrates academic excellence with real-world applications, preparing the next generation of leaders to make a significant impact across the national security enterprise on issues including strategic trade, energy security, and emerging technology.

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Since its founding, Benson-Bertsch CITS has developed a network of academic researchers, public officials, and industry representatives with expertise in critical areas of national and international security. Benson-Bertsch CITS advises policymakers and trains personnel around the world on nonproliferation, export controls, energy security, and human security.

Benson-Bertsch CITS is housed in the University of Georgia’s School of Public and International Affairs, one of the nation’s leading policy schools. We work closely with faculty, staff, and students in the Departments of International Affairs and Political Science, and we partner with units across the university, including the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, the Institute for Artificial Intelligence, and the College of Engineering.

Since its founding, Benson-Bertsch CITS has developed a network of academic researchers, public officials, and industry representatives with expertise in critical areas of national and international security. Benson-Bertsch CITS advises policymakers and trains personnel around the world on nonproliferation, export controls, energy security, and human security.

Benson-Bertsch CITS is housed in the University of Georgia’s School of Public and International Affairs, one of the nation’s leading policy schools. We work closely with faculty, staff, and students in the Departments of International Affairs and Political Science, and we partner with units across the university, including the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, the Institute for Artificial Intelligence, and the College of Engineering.

About Our Name

The Benson-Bertsch Center for International Trade and Security honors two visionary leaders whose legacies have shaped the University of Georgia and the global security landscape. Gary Bertsch, a distinguished UGA faculty member for over 40 years, founded the center in 1987 and led it to international prominence in strategic trade and nonproliferation. Ed Benson, a proud UGA alumnus and civic leader, exemplified a lifelong commitment to service and global engagement. The center’s naming recognizes their enduring contributions to education, research, and public service.

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Accreditation

The Benson-Bertsch Center for International Trade and Security operates within the School of Public and International Affairs at the University of Georgia, which is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). This accreditation ensures that our programs meet rigorous standards of academic quality and integrity, providing students with a top-tier education in international trade and security.

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