The aim of this course is to provide students with an advanced understanding of the conceptual and theoretical foundations of International Security Studies and to develop their ability to analyse security issues from multiple perspectives and critically assess contemporary international security challenges.

This course provides a comprehensive examination of the historical development, major theoretical approaches, and contemporary debates in International Security Studies. It explores traditional perspectives on security, including realism, liberalism, and constructivism, while placing particular emphasis on critical security studies and the contributions of the Copenhagen, Paris, and Aberystwyth schools. The course also addresses contemporary issues such as human security, feminist and postcolonial security approaches, terrorism, cyber security, environmental security, and emerging security challenges. Through engagement with key academic debates and case studies, students will develop the analytical skills necessary to evaluate international security issues from diverse theoretical perspectives.