Introduction

Abstract

This chapter provides the theoretical framework for the book. Much of the traditional security studies literature has focused on realism, which is a theory that emphasizes hard power and great powers. Realists scholars focus on the state as the unit of analysis. While this theory has a great deal of explanatory power, it is not sufficient to analyze many of the threats today—many of which are non-state actors. This work applies a constructivist approach, focusing on different sectors as well as levels of analysis. In addition, the constructivist approach helps shed light on certain security issues that have been elevated on the security agenda.