Introductory description

This module provides students with an introduction to theories of security in international relations. While most work on security in international relations begins from the traditional assumption that security means the preservation of state sovereignty and territorial integrity, this module introduces students to a range of different ways of conceptualising security in international relations and points to the importance of recognising that security is highly contested and contestable. The first half of the module begins by outlining some of the key debates about security in international relations before exploring traditional theoretical approaches and conceptual frameworks. The second half of the module outlines critical theoretical approaches and conceptual frameworks of security, and outlines several core ‘images’ of security in international relations.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Week 1: Introduction to the Module

Security: An Introduction

Week 2: Security: The Concept
Week 3: Traditional v Critical Approaches to Security
Week 4: The Security Debate in IR: Broadening and Deepening

Traditional Theories and Conceptual Frameworks

Week 5: Realism/ Neorealism
Week 6: READING WEEK- no classes
Week 7: Strategic Studies I: Warfare
Week 8: Strategic Studies II: The threat and use of force
Week 9: Liberalism and Neoconservatism
Week 10: English School

END OF AUTUMN TERM

Critical Theories and Conceptual Frameworks

Week 11: Constructivism
Week 12: Securitization and the Copenhagen School
Week 13: Gender and Feminist Approaches
Week 14: Critical Theory and the Welsh School
Week 15: Post-structuralism and the Paris School
Week 16: READING WEEK- no classes

Images of International Security

Week 17: Identity: ‘The Clash of Civilisations’
Week 18: Geopolitics: ‘The Coming Anarchy’
Week 19: Uncertainty: ‘Risk Society’
Week 20: Conclusion: The Future of Security in Theory and Practice

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• To understand the significance of examining fundamental questions of security in international relations: whose security (referent); who provides security; from what threats; and by what means?
• To examine the implications of debates about security theory for contemporary security practices in international relations.
• To evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the various theoretical approaches to security introduced in the module.
• To evaluate the impact as well as strengths and weaknesses of the images of security introduced in the module.
• To enable students to analyse critically complex ideas, both orally and in writing, in relation to issues influencing contemporary debates about security.
• To encourage students to develop the ability to work both independently and as part of group.
• To allow students to develop library and IT-based research skills through independent research and preparation for class.

Indicative reading list

Highly Recommended Texts:

• Williams, Paul, D. and McDonald, Matt, (eds.), Security Studies: An Introduction, 3rd ed. Routledge, 2018.
• Peoples, Columba and Vaughan-Williams, Nick, Critical Security Studies: An Introduction, 2nd ed. Routledge, 2014.
• Dunn Cavelty, Myriam and Balzacq, Thierry The Routledge Handbook of Security Studies, 2nd ed. Routledge, 2018.

Recommended Texts:

• Baylis, John et al., Strategy in the Contemporary World: Introduction to Strategic Studies, 6th ed. Oxford UP, 2018.
• Bilger, P. The International in Security, Security in the International, Routledge, 2016.
• Booth, Ken, Theory of World Security, Cambridge UP, 2007.
• Booth, Ken (ed.) Critical Security Studies and World Politics, Lynne Rienner, 2005.
• Browning, Christopher International Security: A Very Short Introduction, Oxford, 2013.
• Buzan, Barry et al., Security: A New Framework for Analysis, Lynne Rienner, 1998.
• Buzan, Barry, People, States and Fear: An Agenda for International Security, 2nd ed. Harvester Wheatsheaf, 1991.
• Buzan, Barry and Lene Hansen, The Evolution of International Security Studies, Cambridge 2009.
• Buzan, Barry and Ole Waever, Regions and Powers: The Structure of International Security, Cambridge, 2003
• Collins, Allan (ed.), Contemporary Security Studies, 5th ed. Oxford, 2019.
• Danreuther, Roland, International Security: The Contemporary Agenda, 2nd ed. Polity, 2013.
• Fierke, Karin, Critical Approaches to International Security, 2nd ed. Polity, 2015.
• Fry, Greg and Jacinta O’Hagan (eds.) Contending Images of World Politics, Palgrave, 2001.
• Hough, Peter et al (eds.) International Security Studies: Theory and Practice, Routledge, 2015.
• Hough, Peter, Understanding Global Security, 4th ed., Routledge, 2018.
• Huysmans, Jef, Security Unbound: Enacting Democratic Limits, Routledge, 2014.
• Jarvis, Lee and Holland, Jack Security: A Critical Introduction, Palgrave, 2015.
• Kay, Sean, Global Security in the Twenty-First Century; the quest for power and the search for peace, 2nd ed. Roman and Littlefield, 2011.
• Krause, Keith and Michael C. Williams (eds.), Critical Security Studies, UCL Press, 1997.
• Salter, Mark and Mutlu, Can (eds) Research Methods in Critical Security Studies, Routledge, 2013.
• Sheehan, Michael, International Security: An Analytical Survey, Lynne Rienner, 2005
• Shepherd, L. Critical Approaches to Security: An Introduction to Theories and Methods Routledge, 2013
• Snyder, Craig, Contemporary Security and Strategy, 3rd ed. Palgrave, 2012.
• Terriff, Terry et al. Security Studies Today, Blackwell, 1999.

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Subject specific skills

Knowledge of key debates in IR and IS

Transferable skills

Analytical skills
Essay writing skills
Presentations skills