Summary: A higher order theory is developed (kinematic relations, constitutive relations, equilibrium equations, and boundary conditions), which includes initial geometric imperfections and transverse shear effects for a laminated cylindrical configuration under the actions of lateral pressure, axial compression, and eccentrically applied torsion. Equilibrium equations and boundary conditions are presented for the higher order shear deformation theory. The perturbation technique is employed and buckling equations are derived for symmetric laminates under the action of uniform axial compression and lateral pressure. Buckling loads are computed for axially compressed cylindrical laminates of finite length and pressure loaded very long configurations.