The Concept of Security in International Relations

Abstract

The article focuses on the development of thinking about security from its traditional origins to the newer perspectives which have emerged in the post-Cold War period. It is shown that approaches to the study of security in international relations literature have changed significantly from the days when realist views were both pre-eminent and unchallenged. Accordingly, there is now much more healthier and vibrant debate about international security than existed during the Cold War period. Even though realism has been justifiably challenged in recent years and the alternative approaches, especially constructivism, compose an important part of the contemporary discourse on international security, realism remains a powerful approach to both the study and the practice of international relations.

Keywords

Realism, Liberalism, Alternative Approaches, National Security, International Security

Citation

Baylis, John, “The Concept of Security in International Relations”, International Relations, Volume 5, Issue 18 (Summer 2008), pp. 69-85.

Affiliations

• John Baylis, Prof. Dr., Swansea University