Seeking Security in an Insecure World

Reviews / Votes

In a world that is increasingly interconnected, the very concept of security requires redefinition and broadening. Dan Caldwell and Robert Williams not only offer a cogent explanation for why this is the case, they also present an excellent overview of the range and nature of the new threats. In doing so, they have provided a real service to scholars, policymakers, and interested laypeople alike. Scholars will benefit greatly from the discussion of why traditional state-based threats are limiting and a new security paradigm incorporating non-state threats is needed. Policymakers will gain from the analysis of the character of new threats, the danger of unintended consequences when employing traditional military responses to them, and the value of new forms of cooperation for containing and combating them. And interested citizens, after reading this thoughtful book, will both understand the challenges of security in a new century better and also be able to demand more imaginative and integrated responses from governments and non-governmental organizations. (Previous Edition Praise) -- Ambassador Dennis Ross, Washington Institute for Near East Policy This is must reading for all struggling to picture the coming security landscape-an informed and informative interpretation that is sophisticated and comprehensive yet normatively centered as well. It is the best existing concise treatment of this important topic for students and interested members of the public. Highly recommended for courses dealing with the issue of security. (Previous Edition Praise) -- Charles W. Kegley Jr., University of South Carolina Caldwell and Williams, both political scientists, put forth a distinctive new approach to the traditional concept of national security. . . . Highly recommended. (Previous Edition Praise) * Choice Reviews * In a world, where threats know no borders, this excellent book requires us to be more creative and expansive in thinking about our security. It also points to a critical need for governments and societies to be more agile and innovative in meeting these challenges. -- Jami Miscik, former Deputy Director for Intelligence, CIA This new edition is an insightful and brilliant analysis of what is now called 'the new security agenda.' Professors Caldwell and Williams provide a thoughtful, stimulating, clearly written, and fully up to date assessment of the wide range and interconnectedness of new threats in our world today. Their treatment of the indivisibility of security and the changing meaning of security in historical and contemporary settings from a broad global perspective is nothing short of superb. I highly recommend this excellent book to anyone interested in international relations, foreign policy, and security and peace studies. -- Paul Gordon Lauren, Regents Professor Emeritus and Distinguished Mansfield Fellow, University of Montana