Security Communities (Cambridge Studies in International Relations) [Paperback]

Emanuel Adler (Editor), Michael Barnett (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 28, 1998 | Series: Cambridge Studies in International Relations (Book 62)

This book argues that community can exist at the international level, and that states dwelling within an international community have the capacity to develop a pacific disposition. The contributors provide an exhaustive regional and historical survey of places where states have come to expect peace, where they are working to foster such expectations, and where peace is hoped for rather than expected. This volume is an important contribution to international relations theory and security studies, providing a new vision of the possibilities for peaceful relations among states.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Adler and Barnett have edited the most interesting volume in international relations theory in recent memory. They and their co-authors have made a compelling argument for the role of community in shaping security policy, using a variety of empirical cases to back their theoretical claims. The result is a volume that truly honors the legacy of Karl Deutsch." Ethan B. Kapstein, Humphrey Institute

"A major and long overdue contribution to the study of security communities. Adler and Barnett offer a theoretical interpretation that significantly advances understanding of how security communities evolve and how they affect international politics. They also amass a rich selection of historical cases. A must-read for scholars and practitioners interested in the sources of stable peace." Charles A. Kupchan, Georgetown University and Council on Foreign Relations

Book Description

This book argues that community can exist at the international level, and that states dwelling within an international community have the capacity to develop a pacific disposition. The contributors provide an exhaustive regional and historical survey of places where states have come to expect peace, where they are working to foster such expectations, and where peace is hoped for rather than expected. This volume is an important contribution to international relations theory and security studies, providing a new vision of the possibilities for peaceful relations between states.

Product Details

• Paperback: 484 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (October 28, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521639530
• ISBN-13: 978-0521639538
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.1 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,664,511 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A New Paradigm, May 11, 2005

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James Blake (Chicago, IL, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Security Communities (Cambridge Studies in International Relations) (Paperback)

Adler and Barnett have edited, revised, and given contempory notice to an under-utlizied concept in ir scholarship: security community. This project began in the 1950s under a study published by Karl Deutsch which looked at states that seem to have transcended security competition. However, the extension of this concept is largely ignored and it was definitely in need of some revision. This volume (which examines nascent and ascendant security communities in various regions) is an excellent primer for those wishing to familiarize themselves with the concept. Also, for scholars associated with Deustch this is a good start to "update" and apply Deutsch's concept.