The module examines a variety of theoretical and empirical material, providing students with a basis for analysing pressing questions relating to security issues in the world today. The topics explored in the module include: different theoretical approaches to ‘security’; ‘types’ of security; the management of international security; and major security issues, such as WMD proliferation, terrorism, ethnic conflict and state failure.

At the end of the module the student should be able to:

• Demonstrate a basic knowledge of issues related to war, peace and security within contemporary international society.
• Use the relevant theoretical frameworks to analyse issues of war, peace and security in different parts of the world.
• Demonstrate a sufficient understanding of the key concepts in international security, and the ability to communicate that understanding at an appropriate level.