International Security: A Very Short Introduction

Even more informative and interesting than expected, especially in these times. Straight to the point, but very enlightening.

Wish I had known about "a very short intro" series earlier!

This is an excellent short introduction to international security. The author covers the expansive subject material masterfully and in a manner that is consistent with the 'very short introduction' series. It embraces the broader agenda of security studies that is reflected not only in contemporary academic debates but in broader definitions of security and threat embraced in UN Security Council discussions and national security strategies of states. These increasingly acknowledge the role of issues such as environmental change and disease on the security agenda, and indeed the global or transnational nature of contemporary security threats (whether these or terrorism, for example) constitutes perhaps the key trend redefining the way we understand and approach international security. The author captures these complex shifts really well in this short introduction, and brings a critical and reflective perspective to bear on these issues. The book encourages us,for example, to reflect critically on what we understand as terrorism and the contexts of its use, which clearly isn't the same (contra one of the other reviewers!) as 'apologising' for terrorist action.As someone who coordinates a large undergraduate course on International Security I have set this text as a recommended resource for students. It communicates a complex and multifaceted agenda with clarity and insight.

According to the author, the issue of war and peace remains a central concern for thinking about international security. War is likely when states find themselves in a situation of security dilemma. ‘The security dilemma is characterized by a situation whereby a state, fearful for its security, begins arming itself.’ (P.20) Such act leads other states to fear for their own security. They may respond by arming themselves as well. ‘In this way, a spiral of insecurity can develop, with war looming in the background as an ever present possibility.’ (P.20)Indeed, how security is to be understood? Many people think it is of utmost importance and a primary value, making it the language of political priority. On the other hand, it is seen by governments as the language of mobilization. Invoking security plays to our fears. Therefore, by presenting issues as matters of national security, governments can legitimize in diverting scarce resources to favored issues, justify curbing civil liberties or keeping discussion, information, and intelligence out of the public domain and the use of military force.Broadly speaking, there can be traditional and critical approaches to security. Traditional approaches to security have tended to place military conflict between states at the heart of the international security agenda. Such approaches assume that ‘security can only be achieved through power and domination, a view which easily equates more military capability with more security, and a view which also establishes a zero-sum framework for thinking about security.’ (P.15) On the other hand, critical approaches believe that ‘all claims about security, and the identification and nature of particular threats, are inherently political.’ (P.16) As a result of viewing the content of security as a matter of political debate, such approaches have also been central in pushing alternative security agendas that may work to everyone’s benefit, instead of viewing security as part of a zero-sum game.After all, international security is intimately connected with international relations, notably in a globalizing and increasingly interconnected world. Thus, the traditional domestic-international divide when taking about security is increasingly breaking down. In any case, debates about international security cannot be separated from considerations of power, politics, justice, morality, and responsibility.

Good and informative, compact book

Talk about many issues related to IS !!

I'm looking for a short explanation about international security, and this book covers all of them. Good book for International Relations student.

you can read this book in a couple of hours and it gives you an entertaining, brief but excellent introduction and global view of all the international security issues, trends, and future perspectives! highly recommended for curious people and especially students coursing international studies!

Whilst this book is exceedingly interesting, I bought this from the perspective of a geography student and was thus not entirely relevant. That is not a criticism but more a piece of advice because I know many universities offer courses surround "Peace and Security".