Perceptions and responses to threats: introduction

An introduction to a special section on, "Perceptions & responses to threats," notes that the focus is on how the traditional understanding of threats in existential & inter-state terms related to the Cold War nuclear arms race between the US & the Soviet Union has changed significantly in public opinion, the academic literature, & policymaking. The impact of terrorist attacks & "post-Cold-War disorder" is discussed. The contributors use diversified perspectives to examine the complex social & political dynamics involved in how threats are constructed differently in today's world than in the past. J. Lindroth