Understanding International Security
Theory and Practice

Clarifies the concept of security, the debates around it, how it is defined, and how it is pursued.

Michael John Williams (Author), James Wesley Hutto (Author), Asli Peker Dogra (Author)

9781107185661, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 30 October 2025

466 pages
28 x 19 x 2.9 cm, 1.109 kg

International security is an ambiguous concept – it has many meanings to many people. Without an idea of how the world works, or how security is defined and achieved, it is impossible to create effective policies to provide security. This textbook clarifies the concept of security, the debates around it, how it is defined, and how it is pursued. Tracking scholarly approaches within security studies against empirical developments in international affairs, historical and contemporary security issues are examined through various theoretical and conceptual models. Chapters cover a wide range of topics, including war and warfare, political violence and terrorism, cyber security, environmental security, energy security, economic security, and global public health. Students are supported by illustrative vignettes, bolded key terms and an end-of-book glossary, maps, box features, discussion questions, and further reading suggestions, and instructors have access to adaptable lecture slides.

1. International Security: The Historical Evolution of a Discipline
2. Realism(s)
3. Liberalism(s)
4. Rational Choice and Game Theory
5. Rational Choice and Peace Science
6. Constructivism
7. Critical Security Studies
8. Human Security
9. Conventional War and Warfare
10. Irregular War and Warfare
11. Security and International Law
12. Architectures of Alignment
13. Weapons of Mass Destruction
14. Political Violence and Terrorism
15. Cyber Security and Cyber War
16. Environmental Security
17. Energy Security
18. The Global Financial System and Economic Security
19. Global Public Health and Security.

Subject Areas: International relations [JPS]