Security in Contemporary World
Security in Contemporary World
Security in Contemporary World
Threats and Responses The main threats to a country come from other
nations that might use military force.
Governments have three basic responses to these threats:-
Surrender: Although surrender is a possible option, governments typically do
not openly advertise this choice.
Deterrence: This involves making the cost of war unacceptable to the potential
aggressor, thereby preventing an attack.
Defense: If war breaks out, the government aims to defend itself and deny the
attacker their goals.
Balance of Power Countries constantly assess the balance of power between
themselves and others to gauge potential threats.
A powerful neighbor, even without explicit aggressive intentions, might still
pose a future threat. Therefore, maintaining a favorable balance of power is
crucial.
This involves building military,economic, and technological power, as these
are foundational for military strength.
Alliance Building Countries form alliances with others to enhance their
collective security against potential military threats.
These alliances are often formalized through treaties and are based on shared
interests and a clear understanding of common threats.
Alliances can change as national interests evolve.
For example, the U.S. once supported Islamic militants in Afghanistan against
the Soviet Union but later turned against them after the 9/11 attacks.
Internal vs. External Threats In traditional security, most threats are seen as
coming from outside a country’s borders.
While within a country, the government acts as the central authority regulating
violence.
In contrast, the international system lacks a central authority, making it a more
anarchic and brutal arena.
Although the United Nations(UN) is sometimes thought of as a central
authority, it is limited by the power and willingness of its member states. Each
country is primarily responsible for its own security in the international arena.
Traditional Notions of Internal Security
Internal Peace and Order: Security relies on internal peace and order. A
society can't be secure with violence or the threat of violence within its
borders.
Focus Shift After World War II: After WWII, major powers like the US and
Soviet Union felt secure internally, allowing them to focus on external threats.
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