POL279 : International Security
Document Summary
Week 1 - introduction: security studies lie at the heart of ir. First world war gave birth to ir: traditionally the state the thing to be secured, the referent" object. Week 2 military security: military issues remain paramount critical central to security. Soldiers cannot be expected to be armed social workers". 1948 costa rica abolished its armed forces, only state to do so. In advanced countries less emphasis on territorial expansion and more emphasis on trade: wars 1815-1910 80% won by government starting them. 1910-1965 40% won by governments: most military alliances assembled for the purpose of war and end when the war is concluded. They coordinate the allies" common war effort to maximum effect. For the past 500 years, it"s been a recurring feature of the international system. Australia, which has never gone to war on its own, probably doesn"t need to plan on fighting great powers single-handedly.
