This work investigates the complex interplay between cultural identity and the conceptualization of national and international security. Keith R. Krause, a scholar in the field of international security, examines how cultural norms, values, and perceptions shape the definition of threats and the subsequent policy responses of states. The book argues that security is not merely a material or military concern but is deeply embedded in the social and cultural frameworks that define a community's sense of self and survival.

Scholars in international relations frequently cite this text as a foundational contribution to the constructivist approach to security studies. Readers often note the academic density of the prose, which is intended for advanced students and researchers in political science.