GV517-6-FY-CO:
International Security Studies

The details
2019/20
Government
Colchester Campus
Full Year
Undergraduate: Level 6
Current
Thursday 03 October 2019
Friday 26 June 2020
30
08 January 2020

 

Requisites for this module
GV103 or GV214
(none)
(none)
(none)

 

(none)

Key module for

(none)

Module description

The field of Security Studies has enjoyed significant attention in both policy and academic circles since the end of World War II. This did not end with the Cold War, but, in fact, Security Studies became even more prominent and relevant afterwards in light of "conventional" wars and "unconventional" engagements like peacekeeping missions, counterinsurgency operations, or anti-terror campaigns.

While old conflicts are reigniting and new ones emerging, the scholarly literature and policymakers debate about "changes" to concepts of security, particularly in the form of new forms of conflicts, new threats and challenges, and new actors. Issues such as civil war, terrorism, or insurgency increasingly have received greater prominence than before.

Generally, the (traditional) realist preoccupation of superpower conflict is no longer a realistic option, and the academic and policy discussions have been dominated by a more varied set of considerations since the end of the Cold War: e.g., the more multifaceted nature of security, the (declining) centrality of the state, or the balance between military and non-military aspects of security.

This module explores these and several other related issues from a broad range of theoretical and empirical perspectives. It is divided into three sections. First, we study some of the general and most important theoretical concepts in Strategic and Security Studies. This establishes a common theoretical background. The second part deals with issues of (traditional) military security, i.e., Strategic Studies, in depth, both theoretically and empirically: e.g., the Bargaining Model of War, military effectiveness, defense technology, arms control, or intelligence services.

Module aims

The module aims to:

1. Provide students with the main theoretical arguments of Security Studies and Strategic Studies.

2. Engage with a wide range of applied empirical material relating to the security agenda, the use of military force, and supporting elements.

3. Present a range of contemporary security issues, which are discussed both from a theoretical point of view and an empirical perspective.

Module learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, students should be able to:

1. Select and read appropriate material that contains required information and data.

2. Synthesize the obtained information to use it for relevant purposes (e.g., essays, presentations, discussions, etc.).

3. Organize information clearly and coherently.

4. Explore complex security-relevant problems and analyze their main characteristics, determinants, and consequences.

Module information


The module can be taken as a final year option for undergraduate students and as an option for postgraduates. This document provides all essential details about the module. It also contains the basic list of readings. Students should retain it for the duration of the module.

Learning and teaching methods

One-hour lecture and one-hour class per week

Bibliography

  • Haftel, Yoram Z; Hofmann, Stephanie C. (2017-07) 'Institutional authority and security cooperation within regional economic organizations', in Journal of Peace Research. vol. 54 (4) , pp.484-498
  • Fatton, Lionel P. (2016-05-03) 'The impotence of conventional arms control: why do international regimes fail when they are most needed?', in Contemporary Security Policy. vol. 37 (2) , pp.200-222
  • Lars-Erik Cederman; Nils B. Weidmann; Kristian Skrede Gleditsch. (2011) 'Horizontal Inequalities and Ethnonationalist Civil War: A Global Comparison', in The American Political Science Review. vol. 105 (3) , pp.478-495
  • Böhmelt, Tobias; Pilster, Ulrich. (2015) 'The Impact of Institutional Coup-Proofing on Coup Attempts and Coup Outcomes', in International Interactions. vol. 41 (1) , pp.158-182
  • Hofmann, Stephanie C. (2009-3) 'Overlapping Institutions in the Realm of International Security: The Case of NATO and ESDP', in Perspectives on Politics. vol. 7 (01) , pp.45-52
  • Kyle Beardsley. (2009) 'Winning with the Bomb', in The Journal of Conflict Resolution: Sage Publications, Inc. vol. 53 (2)
  • Gartzke, Erik; Jo, Dong-Joon. (2009-04) 'Bargaining, Nuclear Proliferation, and Interstate Disputes', in Journal of Conflict Resolution. vol. 53 (2) , pp.209-233
  • Alexander B. Downes. (2009) 'How Smart and Tough Are Democracies? Reassessing Theories of Democratic Victory in War', in International Security: The MIT Press. vol. 33 (4)
  • Stathis N. Kalyvas; Laia Balcells. (2010) 'International System and Technologies of Rebellion: How the End of the Cold War Shaped Internal Conflict', in American Political Science Review. vol. 104 (3) , pp.415-429
  • Fiona B. Adamson. (2006) 'Crossing Borders: International Migration and National Security', in International Security. vol. 31 (1) , pp.165-199
  • Allan Collins. (2019) Contemporary security studies, Oxford: Oxford University Press.
  • Carey, Sabine C.; Mitchell, Neil J. (2017-05-11) 'Progovernment Militias', in Annual Review of Political Science. vol. 20 (1) , pp.127-147
  • Dan Reiter; Allan C. Stam. (1998) 'Democracy, War Initiation, and Victory', in American Political Science Review. vol. 92 (2) , pp.377-389
  • James D. Fearon. (1995) 'Rationalist Explanations for War', in International Organization. vol. 49 (3) , pp.379-414
  • Robert A. Pape. (2003) 'The Strategic Logic of Suicide Terrorism', in American Political Science Review. vol. 97 (3)
  • Snyder, Craig A. (2012) Contemporary security and strategy, Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
  • Colin S. Gray; James J. Wirtz; John Baylis. (2019) Strategy in the contemporary world: an introduction to strategic studies, Oxford: Oxford University Press.
  • Kydd, Andrew H. (2006) 'The Strategies of Terrorism', in International Security: The MIT Press. vol. 31 (1) , pp.49-80
  • Gleditsch, Kristian Skrede. (2007) 'Transnational Dimensions of Civil War', in Journal of Peace Research: Sage Publications, Ltd. vol. 44 (3) , pp.293-309
  • Moore, Will H.; Shellman, Stephen M. (2007-12) 'Whither Will They Go? A Global Study of Refugees’ Destinations, 1965–1995', in International Studies Quarterly. vol. 51 (4) , pp.811-834
  • Lyall, Jason. (2010) 'Do Democracies Make Inferior Counterinsurgents? Reassessing Democracy's Impact on War Outcomes and Duration', in International Organization: Cambridge University Press. vol. 64 (1) , pp.167-192
  • James D. Morrow. (no date) 'How Could Trade Affect Conflict?', in Journal of Peace Research: Sage Publications, Ltd. vol. 36 (4) , pp.481-489
  • Goulding, Marrack. (1993) 'The Evolution of United Nations Peacekeeping', in International Affairs (Royal Institute of International Affairs 1944-). vol. 69 (3) , pp.451-
  • (2016) Shared Vision, Common Action: A Stronger Europe: A Global Strategy for the European Union’s Foreign and Security Policy, Brussels: European External Action Service.
  • Hultman,, Lisa; Kathman, Jacob; Shannon, Megan. (2013) 'United Nations Peacekeeping and Civilian Protection in Civil War', in American Journal of Political Science: Midwest Political Science Association. (4) , pp.875-891
  • Buhaug, Halvard. (2008) 'Contagion or Confusion? Why Conflicts Cluster in Space', in International Studies Quarterly: Wiley. vol. 52 (2) , pp.215-233
  • de Nevers, Renée. (2007) 'NATO's International Security Role in the Terrorist Era', in International Security: The MIT Press. vol. 31 (4) , pp.31-66
  • Beardsley, Kyle. (2011) 'Peacekeeping and the Contagion of Armed Conflict', in The Journal of Politics. vol. 73 (4) , pp.1051-1064
  • Lyall, Jason; Wilson, Isaiah. (2009-1) 'Rage Against the Machines: Explaining Outcomes in Counterinsurgency Wars', in International Organization. vol. 63 (01) , pp.67-
  • Gleditsch, Nils Petter; Nordås, Ragnhild. (2014-11) 'Conflicting messages? The IPCC on conflict and human security', in Political Geography. vol. 43, pp.82-90
  • Kristopher W. Ramsay. (2017) 'Information, Uncertainty, and War', in Annual Review of Political Science. vol. 20 (1) , pp.505-527
  • Seung-Whan Choi. (2011) 'Re-Evaluating Capitalist and Democratic Peace Models', in International Studies Quarterly. vol. 55 (3) , pp.759-769
  • Carey, Sabine C.; Colaresi, Michael P.; Mitchell, Neil J. (2015-08) 'Governments, Informal Links to Militias, and Accountability', in Journal of Conflict Resolution. vol. 59 (5) , pp.850-876
  • Gartner, Scott Sigmund. (2006) 'Overcoming Obstacles to Peace: The Contribution of Mediation to Short-Lived Conflict Settlements', in International Studies Quarterly: Wiley. vol. 50 (4) , pp.819-840
  • Collier, Paul. (2004) 'Greed and Grievance in Civil War', in Oxford Economic Papers: Oxford University Press. vol. 56 (4) , pp.563-595
  • Pilster, Ulrich; Böhmelt, Tobias. (2011-09) 'Coup-Proofing and Military Effectiveness in Interstate Wars, 1967–99', in Conflict Management and Peace Science. vol. 28 (4) , pp.331-350
  • Latham, Andrew; Sethi, Kabir. (2012) 'The Transformation of War', in Contemporary security and strategy, Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan., pp.175-200
  • Vincenzo Bove; Tobias Böhmelt. (2016) 'Does Immigration Induce Terrorism?', in Journal of Politics. vol. 78 (2) , pp.572-588
  • Bara, Corinne. (2017-06-07) 'Legacies of Violence', in Journal of Conflict Resolution., pp.002200271771150-
  • Keren Yarhi-Milo. (2013) 'In the Eye of the Beholder: How Leaders and Intelligence Communities Assess the Intentions of Adversaries', in International Security. vol. 38 (1) , pp.7-51
  • Michael Horowitz. (2009) 'The Spread of Nuclear Weapons and International Conflict: Does Experience Matter?', in The Journal of Conflict Resolution: Sage Publications, Inc. vol. 53 (2) , pp.234-257
  • Beardsley, Kyle C.; Quinn, David; Biswas, Bidisha ,; Wilkenfeld, Jonathan. (2006) 'Mediation Style and Crisis Outcomes', in The Journal of Conflict Resolution: Sage Publications, Inc. vol. 50 (1) , pp.58-86
  • (2019) Strategy in the contemporary world: an introduction to strategic studies, Oxford: Oxford University Press.
  • Vally Koubi, Thomas Bernauer, Anna Kalbhenn and Gabriele Spilker. (2012) 'Climate variability, economic growth, and civil conflict', in Journal of Peace Research: Sage Publications, Ltd. vol. 49 (1) , pp.113-127
  • James T. Quinlivan. (1999) 'Coup-Proofing: Its Practice and Consequences in the Middle East', in International Security: The MIT Press. vol. 24, pp.131-165
  • Chang, Welton; Tetlock, Philip E. (2016) 'Rethinking the training of intelligence analysts', in Intelligence and National Security. vol. 31 (6) , pp.903-920
  • Jason Lyall. (2009) 'Does Indiscriminate Violence Incite Insurgent Attacks? Evidence from Chechnya', in The Journal of Conflict Resolution: Sage Publications, Inc. vol. 53 (3) , pp.331-362
  • Byman, Daniel L. (2006) 'Friends like These: Counterinsurgency and the War on Terrorism', in International Security: The MIT Press. vol. 31 (2) , pp.79-115
  • Gartzke, Erik. (2007-01) 'The Capitalist Peace', in American Journal of Political Science. vol. 51 (1) , pp.166-191
  • James D. Fearon; David D. Laitin. (2003) 'Ethnicity, Insurgency, and Civil War', in American Political Science Review. vol. 97 (1) , pp.75-90
  • Toft, Monica Duffy. (2010) 'Ending Civil Wars : A Case for Rebel Victory?', in International Security: The MIT Press. vol. 37 (4) , pp.7-36
  • Odom, William E. (2008-06) 'Intelligence Analysis', in Intelligence and National Security. vol. 23 (3) , pp.316-332
  • Snyder, Craig A. (2012) 'Regional Security and Regional Conflict', in Contemporary security and strategy, Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan., pp.312-329
  • Talmadge, Caitlin. (2013-04) 'The Puzzle of Personalist Performance: Iraqi Battlefield Effectiveness in the Iran-Iraq War', in Security Studies. vol. 22 (2) , pp.180-221
  • Boyle, Michael. (2012) 'Terrorism and Insurgency', in Contemporary security and strategy, Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan., pp.241-264
  • P.W. Singer. (2001) 'Corporate Warriors: The Rise of the Privatized Military Industry and Its Ramifications for International Security', in International Security. vol. 26 (3) , pp.186-220
  • Cederman, Lars-Erik; Vogt, Manuel. (2017-10) 'Dynamics and Logics of Civil War', in Journal of Conflict Resolution. vol. 61 (9) , pp.1992-2016
  • Powell, Robert. (c1999) In the shadow of power: states and strategies in international politics, Princeton, N.J.: Princeton University Press.
  • Quackenbush, Stephen L.; Murdie, Amanda. (2015) 'We Always Fight the Last War? Prior Experiences in Counterinsurgency and Conventional Warfare and War Outcomes', in International Interactions. vol. 41 (1) , pp.183-200
  • Biddle, Stephen; Long, Stephen. (2004-08-01) 'Democracy and Military Effectiveness: A Deeper Look', in The Journal of Conflict Resolution. vol. 48 (4) , pp.525-546
  • Beardsley, Kyle. (2008) 'Agreement without Peace? International Mediation and Time Inconsistency Problems', in American Journal of Political Science: Midwest Political Science Association. vol. 52 (4) , pp.723-740
  • Petersohn, Ulrich. (2017-05) 'Private Military and Security Companies (PMSCs), Military Effectiveness, and Conflict Severity in Weak States, 1990–2007', in Journal of Conflict Resolution. vol. 61 (5) , pp.1046-1072
  • Olsen, Gorm Rye. (2009-04) 'The EU and Military Conflict Management in Africa: For the Good of Africa or Europe?', in International Peacekeeping. vol. 16 (2) , pp.245-260
  • Buhaug, H. (2010-09-21) 'Climate not to blame for African civil wars', in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. vol. 107 (38) , pp.16477-16482
  • Jordan, David; Kiras, James; Lonsdale, David J.; Speller, Ian; Tuck, Christopher; Walton, C. Dale. (2016) Understanding modern warfare, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
  • Thomas, Jakana. (2014-10) 'Rewarding Bad Behavior: How Governments Respond to Terrorism in Civil War', in American Journal of Political Science. vol. 58 (4) , pp.804-818
  • Barter, Shane Joshua. (2013-05) 'State Proxy or Security Dilemma? Understanding Anti-Rebel Militias in Civil War', in Asian Security. vol. 9 (2) , pp.75-92
  • Stephen D. Biddle. (2004) Military power: explaining victory and defeat in modern battle, Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.
  • Page Fortna, Virginia. (no date) 'Does Peacekeeping Keep Peace? International Intervention and the Duration of Peace after Civil War', in International Studies Quarterly: Wiley. vol. 48 (2) , pp.269-292
  • Dan Reiter. (2003) 'Exploring the Bargaining Model of War', in Perspectives on Politics: American Political Science Association. vol. 1 (1) , pp.27-43
  • Salehyan, Idean; Gleditsch, Kristian Skrede. (2006-4) 'Refugees and the Spread of Civil War', in International Organization. vol. 60 (02)
  • Greig, J. Michael. (2005) 'Stepping into the Fray: When Do Mediators Mediate?', in American Journal of Political Science. vol. 49 (2) , pp.249-
  • Powell, Jonathan. (no date) 'Determinants of the Attempting and Outcome of Coups d'état', in The Journal of Conflict Resolution: Sage Publications, Inc. vol. 56 (6) , pp.1017-1040
  • Gleditsch, Kristian Skrede. (2009) 'Fighting at Home, Fighting Abroad: How Civil Wars Lead to International Disputes', in The Journal of Conflict Resolution: Sage Publications, Inc. vol. 52 (4) , pp.479-506
  • Snyder, Craig A. (2012) 'Contemporary Security and Strategy', in Contemporary security and strategy, Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan., pp.1-16
  • Lars-Erik Cederman. (no date) 'Back to Kant: Reinterpreting the Democratic Peace as a Macrohistorical Learning Process', in American Political Science Review. vol. 95 (1) , pp.15-31
  • Jeswald W. Salacuse. (1998) 'Ten ways that culture affects negotiating style: some survey results', in Negotiation Journal. vol. 14, pp.221-240

The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course. The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students. Further reading can be obtained from this module's reading list.

Assessment items, weightings and deadlines

Coursework / exam Description Deadline Coursework weighting
Coursework   Essay 1    50% 
Coursework   Essay 2    50% 
Exam  Main exam: 240 minutes during Summer (Main Period) 

Exam format definitions

  • Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
  • In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary, for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.

Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.

Overall assessment

Coursework Exam
50% 50%

Reassessment

Coursework Exam
50% 50%
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Prof Tobias Bohmelt, email: tbohmelt@essex.ac.uk.
Dr Tobias Bohmelt
Professor Tobias Bohmelt, tbohmelt@essex.ac.uk Module Administrator: Sallyann West, govquery@essex.ac.uk

 

Availability
No
Yes
No

External examiner

Dr Mohammed Rodwan Abouharb
University College London
Resources
Available via Moodle
Of 329 hours, 79 (24%) hours available to students:
250 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s).

 

Further information
Government

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