Security Studies: Critical Perspectives

Security Studies: Critical Perspectives is an introduction to critical security studies that takes a question-centered approach and equips students with the knowledge and skills to think, analyze, and debate using critical perspectives. It offers a student-centered approach to understanding contemporary security themes and cases, revealing common-sense security assumptions and introducing perspectives inclusive of class, gender, sexualities, ethnicity, race, religion, disability, culture, and ideology. The book is available for students and institutions in various formats and is supported by online resources.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 15 June 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Security Studies: Critical Perspectives is the only introductory textbook to adopt a question-centered approach in critical security studies, with a unique emphasis on equipping students with the knowledge and skills to think, analyze, and debate using critical perspectives. This comprehensive textbook offers a student-centered approach to understanding contemporary security themes and cases, providing an accessible set of analytic steps to help students develop critical thinking skills and confidence in asking important questions about security and our world in contemporary politics.

By challenging common-sense security assumptions that perpetuate forms of oppression and domination, the book decenters their justifications. It introduces perspectives inclusive of class, gender, sexualities, ethnicity and race, religion, disability, culture and ideology, political belonging, and the global south, fostering a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of security.

The authors combine critical analysis with concrete empirical issues to connect students to the social and political worlds around them. The textbook consists of five foundation chapters that introduce students to key concepts and methodologies in critical security studies. Fifteen thematic chapters, written by leading security analysts, explore key themes in security. Each thematic chapter includes detailed illustrative cases to enhance understanding and application of the material.

Accessible short introductions in the online resources provide an overview of some of the major theoretical approaches in critical security studies. Online resources, including extensive cross-references, encourage students to link elements, draw connections, and identify similar logics, questions, and approaches.

Security Studies: Critical Perspectives is available for students and institutions in various digital formats, ensuring accessibility and convenience. The textbook is supported by online resources, including additional readings, study guides, and interactive exercises, to further enhance the learning experience.

In conclusion, Security Studies: Critical Perspectives is an essential textbook for anyone seeking to understand security from critical and interdisciplinary perspectives. By adopting a question-centered approach, it equips students with the knowledge and skills to think critically, analyze complex issues, and engage in meaningful debates about security and our world. Whether you are a student, researcher, or practitioner, this book offers valuable insights and perspectives to help you navigate the complex and ever-changing landscape of security.

Dimension: 246 x 171 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198867487