Routledge Understanding New Security Threats

This textbook examines non-traditional forms of security and expands the notion of security to include non-state actors and non-human actors. Proposing an expansive view of non-traditional forms of security that go beyond traditionally recognized issues of threats to state and national territory, this new textbook rests on the following premises: traditional state-centered threats, such as nuclear proliferation and espionage, remain a concern; old and new threats combine and create interlocking puzzles―a feature of wicked problems and wicked messes; because of the global erosion of borders, new developments of unconventional insecurity interact in ways that frustrate traditional conceptual definitions, conceptual maps, and national policies; unconventional security challenges which have traditionally been seen as "low politics" or "soft" issues are now being recognized as "hard security" challenges in the twenty-first century; many of the so-called "new" threats detailed here are in fact very old: diseases, gender violence, food insecurity, under-development, and crime are all traditional security threats, but deeply modified today by globalization. The chapters offer local and global examples and engage with various theoretical approaches to help readers see the bigger picture. Solutions are also suggested to these problems. Each chapter contains discussion questions to help readers understand the key points and facilitate class discussion. This book will be of great interest to students of international security studies, human security, global politics, and international relations. Review "A thoughtful, innovative, and ambitious volume with a unique perspective, surprising insights, and inclusive approach to the complexities of global-wide insecurity. In assembling scholars and policymakers at the forefront of non-traditional international security concerns ― climate, energy, food, water health, gender, etc. ― Gueldry, Gokcek, and Hebron have produced a collection of readings that is simultaneously sophisticated and accessible. It is refreshing to find a textbook that challenges long-held assumptions in this way and complements the more state-centered perspectives on international security. Geared to inform students and engage scholars alike, it is a must-read for anyone interested in gaining a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of international security."― Patrick James, Dornsife Dean’s Professor of International Relations, University of Southern California, USA "Understanding New Security Threats is a timely, engaging and accessible volume on the complexity of security in the 21st century. Security is not a simple term and this textbook provides students with an understanding of this issue’s breadth and its relevance to their world. Gueldry, Gokcek and Hebron assemble an A-list line-up of scholars to examine the non-traditional security threats that many students fail to consider when thinking about global security. These authors provide a wonderfully accessible narrative that engages students in the study of these non-traditional threats, while reminding them of the continued relevance of traditional nation-state threats and the interplay between these traditional and non-traditional security concerns. In short, this is the textbook that finally places the notion of security in the complex narrative that is needed for our students.''―Eric K. Leonard, Henkel Family Chair in International Affairs, Shenandoah University, USA "A comprehensive look into a multitude of ‘new’ security threats confronting state and non-state actors today. Each chapter clearly illustrates the connectedness of these non-traditional threats, drawing on an impressive number of the most recent reports and scholarly works. The inclusion of discussion questions makes it especially useful for classes, but the quality of the analyses readily contribute to the growing scholarly dialogue arou