Quest for Security

The essays in this collection boldly confront the quest for security arising from the social, economic, environmental, and political crises and transformations of our century. Some have suggested that the current turmoil in the Eurozone "proves" the deficiencies in the welfare state. This book argues that the superior performance of Scandinavian countries arises from their superior systems of social protection, which allow their citizens to undertake greater risk and more actively participate in globalization. Some suggest that we can address terrorism or transnational crimes through the strengthening of borders or the waging of long-distance wars. This book contends that these approaches have the opposite effect and that only through spreading the human security experienced in well-ordered societies can these dangers be managed. Contributors to this volume also explore the potential for cities to ensure personal security, promote political participation, and protect the environment in the face of increasing urbanization; the challenge posed by environmental insecurity resulting from climate change; and the reforms in global governance that might enable our global system to function more effectively and to address better the insecurities of our times.