Introductory description

Security concerns play a dominant role in world politics. From traditional concerns about the use of military force and persistent possibilities of war, to non-traditional threats such as poverty, climate change, health, terrorism and cyber-attacks, security issues occupy a prime-spot on the policy agendas of states, international organisations, and civil society actors.

This module provides a comprehensive introduction to theories, concepts, and practices of international security. It introduces students to the study of strategy and warfare, debates about the meaning and scope of security, and key security actors, institutions, and mechanisms in world politics. Simultaneously, we reflect on how we might think about security differently.

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.

• Introduction: Strategic Studies vs. Security Studies
• Core Traditional Approaches
• Theories and Causes of War
• Deterrence and Peace
• Arms Control and Arms Dynamics
• Weapons of Mass Destruction
• Revolution in Military Affairs
• Privatising Warfare, Trading Arms
• 'New Wars' and Ethnic Conflict
• Broadening and Deepening Security
• The Responsibility to Provide vs. the Responsibility to Protect
• Social, Health and Economic Security
• Environmental Change and Resource Security
• Gender and Security
• Terrorism
• Cyber Security
• Critical Interventions

Learning outcomes

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

• Knowledge of key issues and dynamics regarding the use of military force.
• Knowledge of theoretical debates about security in international relations and their relationship to security practices.
• Knowledge of issues around security threats as well as of the meaning of war, security, and peace.
• Knowledge of a range of contemporary security challenges.
• Demonstrate good written communication skills

Indicative reading list

• Baylis, J. et al (eds.) Strategy in the Contemporary World (Oxford UP, 2018, 6th ed.)
• Collins, A. (ed.) Contemporary Security Studies (OUP, 5th ed. 2018).
• Williams, P.D. and M. McDonald (ed.) Security Studies: An Introduction (Routledge, 3rd ed. 2018).
• Dannreuther, R. International Security: The Contemporary Agenda (Polity, 2nd ed, 2013)
• Sheehan, M., International Security: An Analytical Survey (Lynne Rienner, 2005).
• Hough, P. et al. (eds.), International Security Studies: Theory and Practice (Routledge: 2015 / 2021 2nd ed)
• Jarvis, L. and Holland, J. (2015) Security: A Critical Introduction, Basingstoke: Palgrave
• Buzan B., and L. Hansen, The Evolution of International Security Studies (Cambridge UP, 2009).
• Buzan, B., and O .Wæver, Regions and Powers: The Structure of International Security (CUP, 2003).
• Hough, P. Understanding Global Security. (Routledge 4th ed, 2018).
• Browning, C.S. (2013) International Security: A Very Short Introduction (OUP).
• Lebow, R. N. (2010) Why Nations Fight: Past and Future Motives for War (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press).

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Subject specific skills

• Critical appreciation of historical and analytical dimensions of international security through demonstrable knowledge of key issues and dynamics regarding traditional and non-traditional security concerns.
• Demonstrable knowledge of theoretical debates about security in international relations and their relationship to security practices.
• Demonstrable knowledge of issues around security threats as well as the meaning of war, security and peace.
• An ability to critically evaluate and critique competing arguments in the field and apply these insights to understand and analyse contemporary dynamics in world politics.

Transferable skills

Communication skills
Awareness of, and sensitivity to, diversity
Skills in academic practice
Time management
Independent research skills
Analytical skills
Critical thinking
Lateral thinking skills