The Changing Face of National Security: A Conceptual Analysis

(Hardback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

This book contains a probing and comprehensive theoretical analysis of the emerging notion of national security in light of the dramatic post-Cold War transformation of the international system. It begins with a discussion of the nature of this change, emphasizing declining national sovereignty, escalating international interdependence, and proliferating anarchic conflict. After developing a framework of the conceptual components of national security, this study focuses on analyzing change--both in priorities and tradeoffs--in military security, economic security, resource/environmental security, and political/cultural security. Brief case studies of the 1991 Gulf War, the 1991 Maastricht Treaty, the 1992 Earth Summit, and the ongoing Yugoslavia conflict illustrate the theoretical contentions. Finally, a set of crucial, fundamental security policy challenges and responses conclude the book.

Reviews

Mandel takes upon himself a daunting challenge: redefining national security in the post-Cold War era. He seeks to provide a conceptual analysis and framework for security studies in a future that has few historical guidelines. His book will complement both university and private libraries. It is a well-researched and well-written piece. In addition, it will be a provocative text for graduate seminars and classes in security studies. Upper-division undergraduate through faculty.-Choice
"Mandel takes upon himself a daunting challenge: redefining national security in the post-Cold War era. He seeks to provide a conceptual analysis and framework for security studies in a future that has few historical guidelines. His book will complement both university and private libraries. It is a well-researched and well-written piece. In addition, it will be a provocative text for graduate seminars and classes in security studies. Upper-division undergraduate through faculty."-Choice

Author Bio

ROBERT MANDEL is Chair and Professor of International Affairs at Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon. His previous books are Conflict over the World's Resources (Greenwood, 1988), Irrationality in International Confrontation (Greenwood, 1987), and Perception, Decision Making, and Conflict (1979). In addition, he has published numerous articles and book chapters on various dimensions of international conflict and security issues. He has governmental experience in defense and intelligence and has testified before Congress.