By Barry Buzan

contents New Introduction by the Author Preface to the First Edition Preface to the Second Edition Figures and Tables Introduction The National Security Problem in International Relations Security as an Underdeveloped Concept Developments During the 1980s The Approach of this Book The Structure of this Book Chapter 1 Individual Security and National Security Individual Security as a Societal Problem Individual Security and the Two Faces of the State The State as a Source of Threat Conclusions: Individual Security and National Security Chapter 2 National Security and the Nature of the State Identifying the State as an Object of Security The Idea of the State The Institutions of the State The Physical Base of the State Conclusions: Weak and Strong States Chapter 3 National Insecurity: Threats and Vulnerabilities Threats and Vulnerabilities Types of Threat by Sector The Operation of Threats Conclusions: The Ambiguity of Threats Chapter 4 Security and the International Political System The Nature of the International Anarchy The Character of States The Uses and Limitations of System Structure in Security Analysis International Society Conclusions: Anarchy and Security Chapter 5 Regional Security Filling the Gap Between State and System Levels: Security Complexes A Brief History of Regional Security Security Complexes as Structures: The Processes and Outcomes of Change Conclusions: Security Complexes and Policy Analysis Chapter 6 Economic Security The Nature of the International Political Economy The Idea of Economic Security Economic Security and the State Economic Security and the International System Conclusions: Prospects for the Political Economy of a Mature Anarchy Chapter 7 The Defence Dilemma The Defence Dilemma Defined The Historical Development of the Defence Dilemma The Durability of the Defence Dilemma Conclusions: The Defence Dilemma and Security Chapter 8 The Power-Security Dilemma The Power and Security Struggles Revisionism versus Status Quo The Nature of Revisionism The Military Factor Conclusions: Can the Power-Security Dilemma be Resolved? Chapter 9 National and International Security: The Policy Problem Logical Problems Perceptual Problems Political Problems Conclusions: Policy-Making as Part of the National Security Problem Chapter 10 Concluding Thoughts on International Security Studies Overview: The Agenda of Security Reasons for Adopting, and Consequences of, a Broad Interpretation of Security Implications for Policy Index

This widely acclaimed book examines how states and societies pursue freedom from threat in an environment in which competitive relations are inescapable across the political, economic, military, societal and environmental landscapes. Throughout, attention is placed on the interplay of threats and vulnerabilities, the policy consequences of overemphasising one or the other, and the existence of contradictions within and between ideas about security. Barry Buzan argues that the concept of security is a versatile, penetrating and useful way to approach the study of international relations. Security provides an analytical framework between the extremes of power and peace, incorporates most of their insights - and adds more of its own. People, States & Fearis essential reading for all students and researchers of international politics and security studies. 25th Anniversary Edition: A new introduction, placing this classic text in a current context, was added to this book by the author in 2007.