4th Edition
Security Studies An Introduction
Security Studies: An Introduction, 4th edition, is the most comprehensive textbook available on the subject, providing students with in-depth coverage of traditional and critical approaches and an essential grounding in the debates, frameworks, and issues of the contemporary security agenda.
This new edition has been completely revised and updated, to cover major developments such as COVID-19, the rise of populism, climate change, China and Russia’s place in the world, and the Trump administration. It also includes new chapters on great power rivalry, emerging technologies, and economic threats.
Divided into four parts, the text provides students with a detailed, accessible overview of the major theoretical approaches, key themes, and most significant issues within security studies.
- Part 1 explores the main theoretical approaches from both traditional and critical standpoints
- Part 2 explains the central concepts underpinning contemporary debates
- Part 3 presents an overview of the institutional security architecture
- Part 4 examines some of the key contemporary challenges to global security
Collecting these related strands into a single textbook creates a valuable teaching tool and a comprehensive, accessible learning resource for undergraduates and MA students.
Part 1: Theoretical Approaches
Traditional Approaches
1. Realisms Michael A. Jensen
2. Liberalisms Cornelia Navari
3. Constructivisms Matt McDonald
Critical Approaches
4. Critical Theory Pinar Bilgin
5. Feminisms Sandra Whitworth
6. Poststructuralism Linda Åhäll
7. Securitization Jonna Nyman
8. Postcolonialism Nivi Manchanda
Part 2: Key Concepts
9. Uncertainty Ken Booth and Nicholas J. Wheeler
10. Great Power Rivalry Beverley Loke
11. Culture Michael N. Barnett
12. War Paul D. Williams
13. Coercion Lawrence Freedman and Srinath Rhagavan
14. Peace and Violence Helen Dexter
15. Human Security Gunhild Hoogensen Gjørv
16. Responsibility to Protect Alex J. Bellamy
17. Development Danielle Beswick
Part 3: Institutions
18. Alliances Sara Bjerg Moller
19. Regional Organizations Louise Fawcett
20. The United Nations Thomas G. Weiss and Danielle Zach
21. Peace Operations Michael Pugh
22. The Nuclear Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Regime W. Pal Sidhu
23. Private Military and Security Companies Deborah Avant
Part 4: Contemporary Challenges
24. Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity Adam Jones
25. Ethnic Conflict Stuart J. Kaufman
26. Terrorism Paul Rogers
27. Counterterrorism Paul R. Pillar
28. Counterinsurgency Joanna Spear
29. Intelligence Richard J. Aldrich
30. Economic Threats Rollie Lal
31. Transnational Organized Crime Phil Williams
32. Global Arms Trade Andrew T.H. Tan
33. Migration and Refugees Sita Bali
34. Energy Security Michael T. Klare
35. Women, Peace, and Security Aisling Swaine
36. Environmental Change Matt McDonald and Simon Dalby
37. Health Jessica Kirk
38. Emerging Technologies Paul D. Williams
39. Cybersecurity Rhea Siers
40. Outer Space Cassandra Steer
Biography
Paul D. Williams is Professor and Associate Director of the Security Policy Studies MA Program in the Elliott School of International Affairs at the George Washington University. His most recent publications include Fighting for Peace in Somalia: A History and Analysis of the African Union Mission (AMISOM), 2007–2017 (Oxford University Press, 2018); War and Conflict in Africa (Polity Press, 2nd edition, 2016); and Understanding Peacekeeping, with A.J. Bellamy (Polity Press, 3rd edition, 2021).
Matt McDonald is Reader in International Relations at the School of Political Science and International Studies at the University of Queensland. His most recent publications include Ecological Security (Cambridge University Press, 2021); Ethics and Global Security: A Cosmopolitan Approach, with Anthony Burke and Katrina Lee-Koo (Routledge, 2014); and Security, the Environment and Emancipation (Routledge, 2012).
"Security Studies centres the millions of people most affected by the world’s wicked problems. It explores the forces at work that cause and exacerbate those wicked problems, as well as offering insights on who might ameliorate them, and how. It equips students with the tools they need to analyse the world’s most complex and pressing security challenges. It situates them within a rich, historical context, and provides an in-depth understanding of how power operates in international politics."
Ruth Blakeley, University of Sheffield, UK
