Security Studies: An Introduction, 3rd edition, is the most comprehensive textbook available on the subject, providing students with an essential grounding in the debates, frameworks, and issues on the contemporary security agenda.

This new edition has been comprehensively revised and updated, with new chapters added on poststructuralism, postcolonialism, securitization, peace and violence, development, women, peace and security, cybersecurity, and outer space.

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.

About the Author

Paul D. Williams is Associate Professor and Associate Director of the Security Policy Studies MA Program in the Elliott School of International Affairs at the George Washington University. Dr Williams is also a non-resident senior adviser at the International Peace Institute in New York. 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, 2nd edition, 2016); The Oxford Handbook of United Nations Peacekeeping Operations, edited with J. Koops, N. MacQueen, and T. Tardy (Oxford University Press, 2015); Providing Peacekeepers: The Politics, Challenges, and Future of United Nations Peacekeeping Contributions, edited with A.J. Bellamy (Oxford University Press, 2013); and Understanding Peacekeeping, with A.J. Bellamy (Polity, 2nd edition, 2010).

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 Ethics and Global Security: A Cosmopolitan Approach, with Anthony Burke and Katrina Lee-Koo (Routledge, 2014) and Security, the Environment and Emancipation (Routledge, 2012). He is co-editor of the Australian Journal of Politics and History.

Reviews

"Debates and controversies about security politics and practices are of immediate significance in contemporary global politics. Since its first publication, this book has made an important contribution to knowledge in this field. This comprehensively revised third edition, featuring welcome contributions on post-structuralism, post-colonialism, and the Women, Peace and Security agenda, among other new topics, ensures the continued relevance of the book, and its ongoing status as my ' go to' book for teaching security studies." - Laura J. Shepherd, Professor, UNSW Sydney, Australia.

"Combining theoretical breadth and empirical engagement, this text provides a comprehensive guide to understanding some of the most important issues in world politics today. An outstanding introduction to security and security studies." - Michael C Williams, Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, University of Ottawa

Book Information
ISBN 9780415784894
Author Paul D Williams
Format Hardback
Page Count 666
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 1458g