International security has once again become a crucial issue in the post-September 11th world. This textbook introduces students to the core issues of both 'hard' security, which dominated the Cold War, and the 'soft' security that has emerged since, in a clear and concise format that is easy to follow. Understanding Global Security uses helpful case studies to illustrate the key concepts behind the increasing number of non-military threats to security such as terrorism, ethnic rivalries and transnational crime, whilst still exploring the more conventional areas such as war, nuclear weapons and the balance of power. A highly topical account that includes discussion of the 2003 Iraq War, this is the best introductory textbook for students of security studies, strategic studies and international relations. Key content includes: * defining security and the international political agenda * military threats from states and non-state actors * social identity and the economy as threats to security * environmental and health threats * terrorism * natural, man-made and criminal threats * the future of security.