Handbook of Defence Politics : International and Comparative Perspectives

This unique combination of analytically detailed essays with statistics, glossary, and comprehensive bibliography make this title a unique one-stop reference source as well as a training and education guide on the politics of defence worldwide. Introductory and concluding essays are authored by the editors, to connect the overall conceptual framework with issues addressed in individual chapters.

Issues of defence politics and policy have long been at the forefront of political agendas and defining of international affairs. With a focus on examining the fundamental sources of – and defence policy responses to – the new ‘post-9/11’ security environment, this volume offers an up-to-date, balanced and comprehensive overview of defence politics worldwide, with chapters written by an international team of defence experts.

• Part 1: International Dimensions. Chapters examine the changing conception of self-defence, security collaboration for combating terrorism, the United Nations and peacekeeping, NATO and security in Europe, as well as the use of new media in the modern asymmetric warfare environment.
• Part 2: Regional and Domestic Perspectives. Country and region-sepcific case studies analyse defence politics in detail, including chapers on Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and many countries in these regions.
• Part 3: US Dimensions. In-depth analysis of US issues, including defence policy making, the evolution of land warfare doctrine, defence consolidation and the politics and strategy of military intervention in the Muslim world.
• Part 4: The Future of Defence Politics and Policy. Dealing with issues including international humanitarian law and military intervention, nuclear weapons in Asia and compound security dilemmas, these chapters look at the future of defence policy-making.
• Maps. The supplement the analysis contained in the chapters, a section of maps offers further information for ease of use.

Edited by Isaiah (Ike) Wilson III and James J. F. Forest of the US Military Academy, West Point, USA, This Handbook of Defence Politics aims to provide a unique, authoritative and central resource on the most important issues surrounding the politics of defence. The book will be an invaluable reference tool for academics, researchers in international relations, policymakers and government officials.