5.5.2. Global Security

Security implies being free from threats. Human existence is full of threats, but not every threat is a security threat. Security experts suggest that security should focus only on extremely dangerous threats that could significantly harm core values.

At its core, security means being free from any form of danger or harm. This concept applies to both individuals and nations. However, if we consider every single threat as a security concern, we would find ourselves overwhelmed, leading to a state of constant fear. Therefore, experts focus on the most severe threats that could fundamentally damage the core values of a society or a nation.

Consider a school environment; a threat might be a student feeling unsafe because of bullying. While it’s a serious issue, not every disagreement between students would count as a security threat. The school needs to focus on significant issues like harassment or violence, which truly threaten the safety and well-being of the students.

The perception of security has evolved, reflecting varied societal contexts. After WWII, nations primarily focused on external threats, which influenced their internal security policies. This context is crucial for understanding contemporary security issues.

After the Second World War, the dominant focus for many countries was the military threat from neighboring states, leading to a preoccupation with external security. Consequently, internal issues like civil unrest or rebellion were often minimized. Understanding this historical context is essential as it shaped the current perceptions of security, including how governments prioritize military readiness over social issues.

Imagine a parent focusing largely on keeping dangerous animals away from their home while ignoring conflicts among their children. Initially, they might envision a safe household as one without external threats, but that overlooks the need for managing family relationships, which is equally crucial for true security at home.

After WWII, powerful nations seemed assured of internal security, leading them to concentrate on external threats. Yet, this perceived security left many internal conflicts unmanaged. Emerging countries faced both external military threats and internal unrest simultaneously.

Powerful nations, feeling secure post-WWII, directed their attention outward, neglecting internal issues. However, for newly independent nations, the dual threat of external aggression and internal strife was prevalent. This situation warrants a dual approach, addressing both internal stability and the need for defense against external threats.

Think of a small startup that is quickly gaining market share, focusing all its resources on competing with larger companies while ignoring its internal team dynamics. If conflicts arise among team members due to neglect, it can lead to adverse outcomes, just like nations face setbacks when they do not address internal issues amid external pressures.

Both internal and external threats pose challenges to national security. Newly-independent countries faced fears not just from external aggressors, but also from separatist movements within, indicative of the intertwining nature of internal and external security concerns.

For many new nations, maintaining peace internally was just as critical as defending themselves against external threats. The presence of separatist movements indicated that internal stability could be at risk if external actors exploited these vulnerabilities. Hence, security strategies must be comprehensive, addressing both types of threats.

Imagine a newly established restaurant trying to attract customers while simultaneously dealing with conflicts among its staff. Customer service and food safety (external concerns) cannot improve if the internal team is discontent and disorganized. Security must encompass both areas for overall success.

Traditional security tends to focus on military threats from other nations, whereas non-traditional security encompasses a wider range of threats including environmental issues, health epidemics, and human rights. This evolution reflects a growing understanding of different facets of human survival.

Security has transitioned from a strict focus on military threats from other nations to a broader perspective that includes global issues like climate change, poverty, and health crises. Non-traditional security recognizes that threats to humanity can originate from various sources beyond just military confrontations.

Think of a community facing not only the threat of burglars (traditional threat) but also the risk of a severe drought (non-traditional threat). As the drought could lead to food scarcity, it demonstrates how various issues can jointly threaten the well-being of a community.

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