Contemporary Security Studies

by Alan Collins (editor)

This major new textbook brings together key scholars to introduce students to the fast-evolving field of security studies. The book is divided into three differing approaches to the study of security; the broadening and deepening of security; and a range of traditional and
non-traditional issues that have emerged on the security agenda.

The study of international security has undergone dramatic changes since the end of the Cold War. While war and the threat to use force is part of the security equation it is not exclusively so. Security studies encompasses dangers that range from pandemics, such as HIV/AIDS, and environmental
degradation through to the more readily associated security concerns of direct violence, such as terrorism and inter-state armed conflict.

Accessible and easy to use, Contemporary Security Studies is essential reading for all students new to international security.

The book is accompanied by an Online Resource Center.

Student

Case studies on the Iraq War, Zimbabwe, migration and North Korea
Web links
Multiple Choice Questions
Flashcard glossary

Lecturer

PowerPoint slides

Genres: International Relations, Nonfiction, Academic, Politics, Textbooks

480 pages, Paperback

First published February 8, 2007

Reviews

[Mayim de Vries · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plain but fine. Good for starters.

Issue-centred perspective incorporating many theoretical approaches.

[Lovis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kul kurslitteratur!! Vissa kapitel är såklart mer intressanta än andra men det är mest baserat på intresse. En del kapitel kändes rätt vinklade men det behöver inte vara en dålig grej, beror ju på vad man använder den till. Mina favoritkapitel är de som handlar om olika sorters säkerhet, något jag inte hade tänkt på fanns innan om jag ska vara helt ärlig.

[Michal Paszkiewicz · Rating 3 out of 5]

An excellent introduction to security studies with thought provoking chapters that give different perspectives on the subject. Many examples and the analysis of them were given.

My main concern with this book is that it doesnt clearly demonstrate how a single example can be well explained by different frameworks. The realist perspective is also not thoroughly explored.

[Armantee]

Oh, how I love politics. 🙃

[Scott · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was for my class on international security and did provide insight to the realm of IS, however I think that it was only used in class because my professor had a chapter he wrote in it. He didn't really use it much other than a few other chapters. I think he did this only to increase circulation. It was usually well written, but with different authors for different chapters leaves plenty variation. Stan Taylor from BYU had a chapter in it about the CIA and information gathering, but at times it seemed childishly written but in the end covered the topic generally well. I wished I wouldn't have bought it however.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting read for anyone interested in security issues. But I do believe that if you are interested in ir theories there are far better books explaining that, the issues that dead with Buzan are quite well explained. The third part of the book is not necessary, I am quite sure that anyone who has studied security issues knows a lot about it, and the essays don't offer anything new.But, it's a great book for beginners.

[Petra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this was a really good book that explained the different theories its presenting in a very good way. It's a book that I've been using many times by now.

[Rachel 💚 · Rating 2 out of 5]

didnt find this very helpful AT ALL! was a bit wishy washy and tried to be too general