Understanding Global Security

Understanding Global Security presents a framework for analyzing the way in which peoples lives are threatened and/or secured in a wide range of contemporary global issues. New to this edition: Analysis of key international political events of recent years such as the War in Iraq, Hurricane Katrina and the Israeli incursion into Lebanon Recent developments in the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) and the `war against terror' New data on deaths attributable to global warming and the contribution played by this in `securitizing' the issue on the agendas of sceptical states Examinations of `lifestyle illnesses', largely spread by the diffusion of Western culture, like smoking or diabetes Greater analysis of recent diplomatic and institutional developments in the area of security; the Human Security Network and the UN Commission on Human Security. User friendly and easy to follow, this textbook is designed to make a complex subject accessible to all. Key features include: ` Top ten' tables highlighting the most destructive events or forms of death in that areas throughout history Boxed descriptions elaborating key concepts in the field of security and International Relations `Biographical boxes' of key individuals who have shaped world events Further reading and websites at the end of each chapter guiding you towards the most up-to-date information on various topics Glossary of political terminology.