Security in the Contemporary World

Learning Outcomes:

1. Understand the different dimensions of security in contemporary world politics.
2. Analyze traditional and non-traditional concepts of security.
3. Examine India’s approach to addressing both internal and external security threats.
4. Explore global and cooperative efforts in addressing new security threats.

What is Security?

Security at its core represents freedom from threats. In both human existence and the life of a country, threats abound. However, not every threat qualifies as a security concern. Only threats that endanger core values—whether of a nation or its citizens—merit attention as security issues. Defining security remains complex as the notions of core values differ across governments and individuals, and the degree of threat intensity varies. Security, in this context, is about addressing severe threats that can undermine a nation’s core values irreparably.

Important Note:

The concept of security is not static. Societies and nations evolve, and so do their definitions of what constitutes security.

Traditional Notions of Security

External Security

In the traditional understanding of security, the greatest danger to a nation comes from military threats, primarily from other nations. These threats jeopardize sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. Governments faced with external military threats have three primary options:

1. Surrender: Capitulating to the aggressor, though rarely publicized.
2. Deterrence: Preventing attacks by raising the cost of war for the opponent, making conflict unappealing.
3. Defense: Engaging militarily when war breaks out to deny the aggressor their objectives and turn back the offensive.

A fourth component, balance of power, becomes crucial as nations monitor the relative strength of neighboring countries. Alliance-building is another essential strategy, wherein states form coalitions to bolster their defense and deter aggression. Alliances, while typically formalized through treaties, can evolve based on shifting national interests.

Internal Security

Security is not just about external threats. Nations also grapple with internal security concerns. For instance, while powerful nations after World War II perceived internal threats as minor, for many newly independent countries, both external and internal conflicts were significant. Internal threats, such as separatist movements, can merge with external threats, complicating a nation’s security dynamics.

Traditional Security and Cooperation

Traditional security recognizes that cooperation can limit violence. Nations should go to war only for just reasons—typically for self-defense or to prevent genocide. Additionally, disarmament and arms control are vital cooperative measures that limit the production and possession of certain weapons. For example:

1. Biological Weapons Convention (BWC): Bans biological weaponry.
2. Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC): Prohibits chemical arms.
3. Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT): Restricts the spread of nuclear weapons.

Confidence-building measures, which promote transparency between nations, help prevent misunderstandings and unintended conflicts. Such processes involve sharing military intentions and capabilities to ensure that adversaries do not perceive miscalculated threats.

Important Note: Traditional security is primarily about military power and force as the central tools for maintaining or achieving security.

Non-Traditional Notions of Security

Non-traditional security expands beyond military threats to address a wide array of dangers that affect human life. Non-traditional security considers individuals and communities, not just the state, as the referents of security. This includes concerns about human security and global security.

Human security focuses on the protection of individuals from a range of threats, from violence to hunger and disease. In its broadest sense, it encompasses economic security and dignity, emphasizing both freedom from fear and freedom from want.

Global security, meanwhile, highlights threats such as global warming, terrorism, and pandemics that transcend national borders and require international cooperation. Issues like climate change disproportionately impact some nations, such as the Maldives facing rising sea levels or Bangladesh confronting climate-induced flooding.

New Sources of Threats

Terrorism

Terrorism is a growing non-traditional threat that targets civilians to induce fear and influence political outcomes. International terrorism spans multiple nations, affecting civilian life on a global scale. Post 9/11, nations have taken heightened measures to combat terrorism, though the phenomenon is not new.

Human Rights Violations

Human rights have become a central issue in global security discussions. Disagreements persist about which rights should be universally upheld and how the international community should respond to violations. Historical events like the Rwandan genocide and East Timor massacres fuel debates about the extent of the UN’s role in addressing human rights abuses.

Global Poverty

Global poverty is another significant threat to human security. Population growth, particularly in poorer nations, exacerbates income disparities, leading to instability. As the gap between the Global North and Global South widens, conflicts emerge. This imbalance also fuels large-scale migration, leading to political tensions between migrant and host countries.

Health Epidemics

Epidemics such as HIV/AIDS, SARS, and bird flu transcend borders, posing challenges to global health. Nations must cooperate to prevent the spread of these diseases, which can undermine national economies and social stability.

Cooperative Security

Non-traditional security threats—such as terrorism, human rights abuses, and health epidemics—often necessitate cooperative approaches rather than military ones. Countries can collaborate bilaterally, regionally, or globally, often involving international organizations like the UN, World Health Organization, and International Monetary Fund. Cooperation also extends to NGOs and private foundations.

In some cases, the use of force may be necessary to deal with severe threats like terrorism or genocide, but this is often a last resort and should be collectively sanctioned by the international community.

India’s Security Strategy

India faces both traditional and non-traditional threats. Its security strategy consists of four main components:

1. Military Capability: India has strengthened its military in response to conflicts with Pakistan and China. This includes its decision to conduct nuclear tests in 1998 to safeguard national security.
2. Strengthening International Norms: India has supported disarmament, non-alignment, and global economic equity while participating in UN peacekeeping missions.
3. Internal Security: India has faced challenges from separatist movements, such as in Nagaland and Kashmir. India’s democratic system allows for political grievances to be addressed through peaceful means.
4. Economic Development: India’s security strategy also involves lifting its citizens out of poverty, although challenges remain in reducing inequality.

Important Note: India’s nuclear capability has been a cornerstone of its traditional security strategy, though the impact on individual security remains a subject of debate.

Traditional vs. Non-Traditional Security

New Challenges and the Future of Security

Security concerns in the 21st century continue to evolve. Environmental degradation, global health threats, and terrorism demand new strategies that transcend the traditional military approach. Cooperative efforts, involving multiple stakeholders, are increasingly seen as the most effective way to address these complex, interrelated threats.

MCQ:
What is the primary difference between traditional and non-traditional notions of security?
a) Traditional security focuses on military threats, while non-traditional security addresses economic and social threats.
b) Traditional security concerns the security of the state, while non-traditional security focuses on the security of individuals.
c) Traditional security involves disarmament, while non-traditional security relies solely on diplomatic negotiations.
Answer: b