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.
An Introduction to Security Studies Paul D. Williams and Matt McDonald Part 1: Theoretical ApproachesTraditional Approaches 1.Realisms 2.Liberalisms 3.Constructivisms Critical Approaches 4.Critical Theory 5.Feminisms 6.Poststructuralism 7.Securitization 8.Postcolonialism Part 2: Key Concepts 9.Uncertainty 10.Great Power Rivalry 11.Culture 12.War 13.Coercion 14.Peace and Violence 15.Human Security 16.Responsibility to Protect 17.Development Part 3: Institutions 18.Alliances 19.Regional Organizations 20.The United Nations 21.Peace Operations 22.The Nuclear Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Regime 23.Private Military and Security Companies Part 4: Contemporary Challenges 24.Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity 25.Ethnic Conflict 26.Terrorism 27.Counterterrorism 28.Counterinsurgency 29.Intelligence 30.Economic Threats 31.Transnational Organized Crime 32.Global Arms Trade 33.Migration and Refugees 34.Energy Security 35.Women, Peace, and Security 36.Environmental Change 37.Health 38.Emerging Technologies 39.Cybersecurity 40.Outer Space
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).
