Contemporary Security Challenges

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Courses / Modules / PAIR6087 Contemporary Security Challenges

When you'll study it: Semester 1
CATS points: 15
ECTS points: 7.5
Level: Level 7
Module lead: Ming-Chin Chu
Academic year: 2025-26

Module overview

The module provides an overview of the main security challenges facing the world today. Drawing on classic and contemporary literature from International Relations and other academic disciplines, together with case studies, we consider such questions as: what are the main threats to security today and in the near future? What is the nature of these threats? From what and against whom? How might they be addressed? The module examines these questions in the context of the policy options that may be available. For students enrolled in the MSc International Security and Risk degree, the issue-based approach in Contemporary Security Challenges complements the theory- driven approach in the module Security Theory.

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods

Student learning will be achieved through a combination of interactive lectures, group-based tutorial discussions and debates, case studies, simulations and independent study. Learning activities and assignments are designed to encourage critical thinking, intellectual autonomy and evidence-based argument.

��TV time
Type	Hours
Independent ��TV	176
Teaching	24
Total study time	200

Resources & Reading list

Textbooks

Alan Collins, eds., (2012). Contemporary Security Studies. Oxford University Press.

R.M. Price (2004). The UN and Global Security.

Lawrence Freedman, ed., (1994). War. Oxford University Press.

Stuart Croft and Terry Terriff, eds (2000). Critical Reflections on Security and Change. Frank Cass.

Edward .Kolodiej (2005). Security and International Relations. CUP.

John Baylis, James Wirtz, Colin S. Gray (2012). Strategy in the Contemporary World. Oxford University Press.

Peter Hough (2008). Understanding Global Security. Routledge.

Emanuel Adler and Michael Barnett, eds (1998). Security Communities. Cambridge University Press.

Michael Doyle. Ways of war and peace. London: Norton.

Barry Buzan, Ole Waever, and Jaap de Wilde (1998). Security. A New Framework for Analysis. Lynne Reinner.

Michael Klare and Y Chandrani (1998). World Security: Challenges for a New Century. St Martin’s Press.

Michael Clarke (ed.), (1995). New Perspectives on Security. Brassey’s.

Barry Buzan and Lene Harrison (2009). The Evolution of International Security Studies. CUP.

Barry Buzan and Ole Weaver. Regions and Powers. Cambridge University Press.

Richard K Betts (2012). Conflict After the Cold War. Pearson.

Barry Buzan (1991). People, States and Fear. Harvester Wheatsheaf.

Sean Lynn-Jones and Steven Miller (eds.) (1995). Global Dangers: Changing Dimensions of International Security. MIT press.

J. Ann Tickner (1992). Gender and International Relations. Cornell University Press.

Michael Doyle. Ways of War and Peace. London: Norton.

J Grieco, J Ikenberry, M Mastanduno, eds (2015). Introduction to International Relations. Palgrave.

Ken Booth, ed (1998). Statecraft and Security. The Cold War and Beyond. Cambridge University Press.

Stephen Van Evera. Causes of War: Power and the Roots of Conflict.

P.D. Williams, ed (2012). Security Studies: An Introduction. London: Routledge.

Assessment

Assessment strategy

Students will be assessed through an essay and case study.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Essay	50%
Essay	40%
Individual Presentation	10%

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Essay	100%

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Essay	100%

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External

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