本文主要目的是介紹並評估當前國際安全研究學界對於區域層理論 的討論，以作為未來相關研究的基礎，屬於理論介紹與文獻回顧。文中嘗 試說明為何傳統國際關係理論，特別是現實主義學者，並未將「區域」視 為一個完整的分析層次；其次介紹區域層次安全理論的定位與發展過 程。論文第二部分將介紹並評估當前國際安全理論界中的兩個主要區域層 次理論：「安全共同體理論」與「區域安全複合體理論」，最後探討其應用之可行性。

The purpose of this paper is to introduce and evaluate regional-level theories in international security studies. The first part explains why region as analytical level has been neglected in conventional IR theories, particularly among realist scholars. It will be followed by discussions about how region is gradually recognized in the field of security studies as a new and supplementary level of analysis. The second half of the paper introduces two regional-level theories in security studies today: security communities and regional security complexes. The last part assesses influence of both theories as a way of understanding whether a regional-level theory is appropriate for future researches on international disputes or conflicts.