EVOLUTIONS AND THEORIES OF SECURITY STUDIES

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

The course focuses on the concept of Security, Definitions of Security, power, hegemony External and internal dimensions of security: Traditional security studies and changing notion of security, Non-traditional security studies and changing levels of analysis, Critical security studies, security and emancipation (Welsh School);  Basic theories of Security studies such as: Regional Security complex theory, Theory of securitization and offence-defense and Theory Strategic cultural approach and the  idea of “Security Community”. The course will focuses on the third world security predicaments in the context of National Security and Regional Conflict – from the African Perspectives. Additionally the course deals with Case Studies on Cold war security crisis, Cuban missile crisis, and Post-cold war humanitarian Intervention – just war, War on Terror.  This foundation course provides an opportunity to explore connections between the challenges and approaches identified in human rights and security issues in African context.

Course Objectives

·         To introduce the students about the evolution of security studies

·         To develop understanding of the major theme of the subjects

·          To enable students to understand the concepts of security, emergencies of security studies and the various schools of thought, and an introduction to non-traditional security threats in Africa.

UNIT I

Concepts and Theories

Concepts of Security

·         Introduction to concepts of security

·         Definition of Security, power, hegemony

·         External and internal dimensions of security

UNIT II

Evolution of Security Studies:

·         Traditional Security Studies and changing notions of security

·         Non-traditional security studies and changing levels of analysis

·         Critical security studies, security and emancipation (welsh school)

UNIT III

Basic Theories of Security Studies

·         Regional security complex theory

·         Theory of securitization and offense-defense theory

·         Strategic culture approach and the idea of “security community”

UNIT IV

Africa Security Predicaments:

·         Definition – “Third world” “Security”, state making and interstate conflict in Africa

·         Third world, bi-polarity and cold war, post cold war and its impact in Africa

·         National Security and Regional conflicts – From African Perspectives

UNIT V

Case Study:

·         Cold war Security Crisis – Cuban missile crisis

·         Post-Cold War Humanitarian Intervention – Just war

·         Reasons for Arab spring and its impact in Africa