This topic provides an opportunity to explore political issues connected to security through a case studies approach.
Many of the topics, political issues and key concepts encountered in the four core units of this course are also central to discussions of security. For example, discussions of sovereignty, military power, wars between and within states, arms proliferation and the activities of non-state actors all have clear links to security. There are particularly strong links between this topic and the unit on peace and conflict. However, security also has cultural, social and economic dimensions. Issues such as food, water and energy security are developing increasingly concrete ramifications in global politics. Human rights violations can be viewed as attacks on individuals’ fundamental sense of security. Furthermore, in an uncertain world, political actors may sometimes try to benefit from people’s sense of insecurity.

Learning outcomes:
• knowledge and understanding of a specific case study and a specific political issue related to security;
• application of relevant key concepts, theories and ideas from the core units to analysis of the case;
• evaluation of the case study from different perspectives and in the wider context of global politics
• an experience of having carried out a self-directed, teacher-supported research process and communicating the conclusions of this process through an oral presentation

Suggested examples
Students must undertake a detailed case study relating to the global political challenge presented by security, and deliver an oral presentation focused on a political issue embedded in the case. The case studies and political issues below are examples only.

• Israel and Palestine—how has the acquisition of longer-range weapons by groups in the Gaza Strip affected Israel’s security policy in the last 10 years?

• The 2012 case of Joseph Kony in Uganda—to what extent can social media be a catalyst for social change?

• Counterterrorism legislation and civil liberties in the UK before and after the 2005 London bombings—to what extent does breach of security “at home” affect security policies?

• Territorial issues in Antarctica—why do far-away land areas matter?

• The 2014 Hong Kong protests—what was at stake?