De Gruyter Handbook of Global Security Challenges

Following the failure of both the traditional Western bloc as well as the United Nations in sustaining the post-1945 order, the international system is now in flux, and it remains unclear what a new international order might look like. As the two world wars have demonstrated, it is possible that it will emerge after open conflict. In addition, globalization has led to the emergence of a swathe of non-traditional challenges, such as environmental security, energy security, terrorism, cybersecurity, food security and pandemics. Furthermore, it is also entirely plausible that existential threats to states, societies and even humanity, could occur as a result of unexpected “black swan” developments, such as threats arising from the emergence of new technologies, artificial intelligence, the sudden outbreak of nuclear conflict, and even unidentified anomalous phenomenon,  highlighting the broad array of security challenges that the world faces today.

The De Gruyter Handbook of GlobalSecurity Challenges provides a state-of-the-art survey of current research and emerging questions on a range of challenges that the international community is facing. This volume clarifies the nature of the challenges, explains the current state of literature, suggests solutions or better strategies for management, and suggests the research agenda for the coming years.

• First handbook exclusively focused on global security challenges
• Explores both traditional and non-traditional security challenges
• Chapters written by leading scholars in the field

M. L. R. Smith is Professor of Strategic Theory and Academic Principal at the Australian War College and Director of the Centre for Future Defence and National Security, Canberra Australia. He was previously Head of the Department of War Studies, Kings College London, UK.

Alexander C. Tan is Professor of Political Science and International Relations (University of Canterbury), Honorary Professor (NZ Defence Force Command and Staff College), Associate Director (NZ Contemporary China Research Centre), Fellow (John Goodwin Tower Center for Political Studies, Dallas, USA), adjunct University Chair Professor of Political Science (National Chengchi University, Taiwan). 

Andrew T. H. Tan is Non-Resident Principal Fellow, Institute for Indo-Pacific Affairs, New Zealand. He was previously Professor of Security Studies, Macquarie University, and Senior Lecturer in Defence Studies, Kings College London, UK (based at the Joint Services Command and Staff College). Andrew is the author, co-author, editor or co-editor of 25 books.

Global Security Challenges in an age of uncertainty offers a comprehensive and rich survey of the forces reshaping the international security landscape. With a distinguished line-up of contributors and a thematic scope that spans conventional threats, non-traditional dangers, and disruptive "black swan" events, this volume thoroughly addressed the range of contemporary strategic challenges. Scholarly, yet accessible, it will prove invaluable to scholars, practitioners, and policymakers seeking to understand the volatile terrain of 21st-century geopolitics.

Professor Bruce Hoffman, Georgetown University, USA

Global Security Challenges by M. L. R. Smith, Alexander C. Tan and Andrew T. H. Tan maps the next frontier of national and international threats. Mitigating global threats will require a shift from cooperation to collaboration and partnership with common databases, joint training and operations, and sharing of resources, expertise, and experience. A must read by the national security scholars and practitioners. 

Professor Rohan Gunaratna, Founder, International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research; S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

In Global Security Challenges, three internationally renowned scholars have assembled a distinguished team of security experts to deliver a thorough, insightful and balanced analysis of the key security challenges facing our world today. This book underscores the urgency of these challenges, making it essential reading for anyone interested in the present and future of international security.

Associate Professor Andrea Benvenuti, University of South Wales, Australia, Author of Nehru’s Bandung: Non-Alignment and Regional Order in Indian Cold War Strategy