ABSTRACT
This article examines recent evolution in the understanding of both diversity and security. It calls for the security sector to move beyond the perspective of diversity as externally driven demographic change to an internally embraced philosophy, while also moving its focus from physical state security to human security. The concepts of diversity and security are reviewed to provide broader understanding in emerging contexts and in particular to link the two through the recommendation that valuing diversity through identity rather than physiological group membership is essential to achieving what government, society and communities in need are expecting when confronted with crises that disrupt daily life and human security. A range of social science literatures are integrated to present theories and models that illustrate the central issues at play when institutions seek to evolve, to adjust to external factors and adopt new internal philosophies. Based on this analysis, implications are presented for key aspects of institutional functioning, including examining internal culture, shifting professional attributes and adopting new leadership approaches.
