I read this book for Non-Traditional Security course, and I found the book is really useful for my research.



Traditionally, the concept of security was limited to military dimension of inter-state relations. Since the end of Cold War, scholar like Barry Buzan and Ole Waever has broadened the concept of security. Efforts by Barry Buzan et al has then created a Copenhagen School that re-conceptualize security wich includes 'Non-Traditional Security' and the concepts of securitization and desecuritization.



This book apply the Non-Traditional Security 'theory' in the context of Asia (South, Southeast and Northeast). The contributors identifies four major shortcomings of securitization theory:

a. It does not address the reason of securitization or 'why securitize an issue?'

b. Securitization theory is lack of empirical research and the indicator of securitization was merely 'speech act'. It does not answer the question of 'how do we know when the issue is being securitized?' the contributors of this book then develop mechanism beyond 'speech act' as indicators of securitization.

c. Copenhagen School tends to be Eurocentric, thus the contributors applies securitization model to Asian context, to examine how securitization and desecuritization works conceptually and empirically in Asian setting.

d. Copenhagen school is not particularly concerned with policy effectiveness and policy implication of securitization and desecuritization.



After identifying the shortcomings of Copnehagen School model, this volumes then contributes in applying securitization and desecuritization by including the questions 'why' and 'how'.



I particulary appreciate Joseph Chinyong Liow article titled 'Malaysia's Approach to Indonesian Migrant Labor: Securitization, Politics or Catharsis?' since it discuss the impact of securitization.



In sum, I recommend this book as it is particulary important for those who are interested in security issues in Asia.