International security has once again become a crucial issue in the post-September 11th world. This textbook introduces students to the core issues of both 'hard' security, which dominated the Cold War, and the 'soft' security that has emerged since, in a clear and concise format that is easy to follow. Understanding Global Security uses helpful case studies to illustrate the key concepts behind the increasing number of non-military threats to security such as terrorism, ethnic rivalries and transnational crime, whilst still exploring the more conventional areas such as war, nuclear weapons and the balance of power. A highly topical account that includes discussion of the 2003 Iraq War, this is the best introductory textbook for students of security studies, strategic studies and international relations. Key content
Clear and well-organized, Understanding Global Security is the perfect introduction to the subject. Important words are easiy pointed out, and sections are arranged neatly with headers. This was a very easy book to read and understand.
Read for Intro to IRG class, International Security unit.
I liked this textbook much more than our one for the previous unit! This author does a better job of not writing with an implicitly Eurocentric bias; he offers fair and objective definitions of the many different perspectives. Historical and contemporary events are woven in well, and the writing is clear.