National, International, and Human Security

This updated edition of National, International, and Human Security examines the complexities of security, highlighting the limitations of traditional state-centric views and their implications.

In National, International, and Human Security, Laura Neack presents a thorough exploration of security concepts through a contemporary lens. This updated edition offers a clear and comprehensive comparison of national, international, and human security, emphasizing the complexities and interconnections between these areas. Neack argues that the traditional view of states as the sole actors in international relations limits our understanding of security, particularly in today's world where threats are increasingly transnational and multifaceted.

The author skillfully navigates the historical context of security policies, illustrating how a centuries-old ethic has shaped current perceptions. Neack highlights the challenges posed by modern issues such as glocalized terrorism and the mass migration of people, which complicate the notion of security. By focusing on security from physical violence, she provides a critical analysis of how states often prioritize their own interests over the well-being of individuals, leading to a disconnect between policy and real-world consequences.

This edition is enriched with timely case studies, including the Syrian refugee crisis and the responses of European states, the rise of jihadist groups, and the implications of drug trafficking in Mexico. These examples underscore the intricate relationship between terrorism and refugee movements, revealing the urgent need for a broader understanding of security. The first edition, originally titled Elusive Security: States First, People Last, laid the groundwork, and this revised version builds upon that foundation with new insights and perspectives.