This book argues that community can exist at the international level, and that security politics is profoundly shaped by it, with states dwelling within an international community having the capacity to develop a pacific disposition. By investigating the relationship between international community and the possibility for peaceful change, this book revisits the concept first pioneered by Karl Deutsch: 'security communities'. Leading scholars examine security communities in various historical and regional contexts: in places where they exist, where they are emerging, and where they are hardly detectable. Building on constructivist theory, the volume is an important contribution to international relations theory and security studies, attempting to understand the conjunction of transnational forces, state power and international organizations that can produce a security community.

"Adler and Barnett have edited the most interesting volume in international relations theory in recent memory. They and their co-authors have made a compelling argument for the role of community in shaping security policy, using a variety of empirical cases to back their theoretical claims. The result is a volume that truly honors the legacy of Karl Deutsch." Ethan B. Kapstein, Humphrey Institute

"A major and long overdue contribution to the study of security communities. Adler and Barnett offer a theoretical interpretation that significantly advances understanding of how security communities evolve and how they affect international politics. They also amass a rich selection of historical cases. A must-read for scholars and practitioners interested in the sources of stable peace." Charles A. Kupchan, Georgetown University and Council on Foreign Relations