People, States & Fear: 25th Anniversary

This acclaimed book examines how states and societies pursue freedom from threat where competitive relations are inescapable across the political, economic, military, societal and environmental landscapes. Author Barry Buzan focuses on the interplay of threats and vulnerabilities, the policy consequences of overemphasising one or the other, and the contradictions within ideas about security.

Security provides an analytical framework between the extremes of power and peace and studying this concept provides us with a much-needed alternative approach to international relations. A new introduction, placing this classic text in a current context, was added by the author in 2007.

People, States & Fear is a landmark book, one that remains as vital today as when it was first published. For an understanding of international politics and security studies, it demands to be read. If you are one of the few who has not yet read this crucial work, now is your chance.

'People, States & Fear has been the most influential book in modern security studies. In fact, without it there probably would not have been a modern security studies to speak of. First published in 1983, it was a landmark study, reinvigorating the concept of security. The second edition from 1991 cemented the book’s status as the core text explaining what widening and deepening security entailed. To understand why security studies evolved as it did, People, States & Fear is a must read.' — Lene Hansen, University of Copenhagen

Keywords: Security