The Center for International Trade & Security (CITS) was established in 1987 with the support of former U.S. Secretary of State Dean Rusk. Since its founding, CITS has developed a network of academic researchers, public officials, and industry representatives with expertise in critical areas of national and international security.

CITS advises policymakers and trains personnel around the world on nonproliferation, energy security and human security, while serving as a hub of research, teaching, and outreach on new and emerging security topics.