Description
Book SynopsisCommemorating 60 years of War Studies at King’s College London, this incisive and adroitly crafted book acts as a comprehensive introduction to the multidisciplinary field of war, conflict and security. Adopting a global approach, it adeptly navigates a broad spectrum of themes and theoretical perspectives which lie at the heart of this important area of study.
Bringing together contributions from an array of esteemed scholars, An Introduction to War Studies covers a diverse range of topics, including international relations theories and approaches, conflict, security and development, peace and security, intelligence and international security, the history of war, conflict resolution, strategic communication, and terrorism and society. Providing concise and thematic focus, expert contributors survey the current state of knowledge within the field and explore opportunities for future scholarly inquiry.
An authoritative and seminal contribution to the study of war and conflict, this book will be essential for academics, researchers, and students of war, peace and conflict, terrorism and security, and strategic studies as well as international relations and international studies.
Trade Review‘This book with its highly pertinent chapters on war and conflict celebrates the anniversary of the foundation of a Department that has become the benchmark for War Studies throughout the world. It is a pleasure to see the seeds planted by Michael Howard that multiplied and blossomed under the green fingers of Lawrence Freedman continuing to bear rich fruit.’ -- Beatrice Heuser, University of Glasgow, UK
‘This fantastic book brings together senior scholars of war studies to highlight the important contribution that the field – and the War Studies Department at King’s College London in particular – has made to our understanding of conflict, war and peace over the last six decades. Innovations in the study of war emerging from the King’s War Studies Department, such as the intersection of conflict, security and development, have subsequently been adopted by other universities and development agencies in numerous countries. The volume should be a must read for students and practitioners alike!’ -- Karin von Hippel, Royal United Services Institute, UK
‘This book offers a thorough review of the field of war studies and insightful history of the academic department that established this field. It’s an essential resource for anyone interested in the study of armed conflict in all of its dimensions.’ -- Theo Farrell, President, La Trobe University, Australia
‘This is a compelling companion from the finest minds, at the finest institution for the study of war in the UK. Covering history, society, technology, politics and the impact of war, this is the perfect accompaniment for those interested in gaining a deep understanding of armed human and state conflicts.’ -- Robert Dover, University of Hull, UK
Table of ContentsContents: Foreword xvii Sir Lawrence Freedman Preface and acknowledgements xix 1 War studies at King’s College London 1 James Gow, Lawrence Freedman and Rachel Kerr 2 Conflict resolution in deeply divided societies 15 Stacey Gutkowski, Michael Kerr and Craig Larkin 3 Conflict, security and development 36 Mats Berdal 4 History of war 53 Alan James 5 Intelligence and international security 65 Huw Dylan and David Easter 6 International conflict studies: critical perspectives on conflict and security 78 Vivenne Jabri, Leonie Ansems de Vries, Kiran Phull and Stephan Engelkamp 7 International peace and security 96 James Gow, Natasha Kuhrt and Maria Varaki 8 International relations and war: complexity, interdisciplinarity, analytical plurality 110 Pablo de Orellana 9 International relations today: a long list of theories! 124 Mervyn Frost 10 National security studies 136 John Gearson, Hillary Briffa and Joe Devanny 11 Science and international security 153 Hassan Elbahtimy and Filippa Lentzos 12 Strategic communications: shaping a new century 170 Neville Bolt 13 Terrorism, security and society 183 Shiraz Maher and Alexander Meleagrou-Hitchens 14 War studies online 198 David Banks, David Easter and Anne-Lucie Norton 15 War studies 208 Jan Willem Honig
