5.5.2 - Global Security
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Definition of Security
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Today, we'll start by defining security. What does it mean to be secure?
I think it means being safe and free from danger.
Exactly! Security implies freedom from threats, but are all threats equally important?
No, some threats might be more dangerous than others.
Right. This leads us to think about the intensity of threats. Could you name an extreme threat?
War between countries could be a very serious threat!
Great example! In discussions about security, we often consider such extreme threats. Let's remember the acronym CITE—Core values, Intensity, Threat levels, and the examples of threats.
So, does security revolve only around military threats?
Let's explore this in our next session!
Traditional vs Non-traditional Security
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We've established what security means. Now, can anyone explain the difference between traditional and non-traditional security?
Traditional security mostly deals with military threats, right?
Yes! The traditional view focuses on external threats, especially those that could harm a nation's sovereignty. What about non-traditional security?
Non-traditional security looks at threats like poverty, health issues, and environmental problems.
Exactly! Non-traditional security broadens our understanding to include human security. Let’s remember the mnemonic FRAME: Formulation of threats, Risks to individuals, Alliance for cooperation, Military involvement, and Environmental concerns.
How can countries cooperate to tackle non-traditional threats?
Good question! We'll discuss that now.
Role of International Cooperation
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Now, let’s explore the role of international cooperation in addressing global security threats. Why might countries need to work together?
Because many threats affect multiple countries, like terrorism or climate change.
Exactly! When threats are global, no single country can tackle them alone. What’s an example of this?
Climate change affects everyone; countries have to cooperate to mitigate it.
Precisely! Let’s codify that with the acronym GLOBAL: Global threats require, Local actions, Observed by, Bilateral agreements, Alliances, and international collaboration.
So, cooperation is vital for both traditional and non-traditional security!
Great summary! Remember, the context of threats must guide how countries cooperate.
Introduction & Overview
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Quick Overview
Standard
The section delves into understanding security, differentiating between traditional and non-traditional perspectives. Traditional security focuses on military threats from other states, while non-traditional security addresses broader issues like human security, environmental concerns, and internal conflicts. It also explores the role of cooperation among countries to address these threats effectively.
Detailed
Global Security
The discussion of global security breaks down into two main perspectives: traditional and non-traditional. Traditional security is primarily concerned with military threats—a perspective focused on a country's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. Threats are often perceived as coming from other countries which could engage in military aggression. To address these dangers, nations resort to deterrence and defense strategies, seeking to maintain a balance of power with potential aggressors.
On the other hand, non-traditional security expands the notion of security beyond military threats to encompass socio-economic aspects like human security, which includes concerns about individuals' well-being, such as poverty, health, and human rights. Non-traditional security includes a wide array of risks, such as environmental degradation, terrorism, and internal conflicts, emphasizing cooperation among nations to tackle these issues effectively. The narrative illustrates that security is context-dependent, varying according to specific historical and socio-political situations, making both traditional and non-traditional aspects critical in understanding and ensuring global security.
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Understanding Security
Chapter 1 of 5
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Chapter Content
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.
Detailed Explanation
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.
Examples & Analogies
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.
Thesis on Security Perception
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Chapter Content
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.
Detailed Explanation
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.
Examples & Analogies
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.
Military and Internal Security
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Chapter Content
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.
Detailed Explanation
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.
Examples & Analogies
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.
Internal and External Threats
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Chapter Content
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.
Detailed Explanation
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.
Examples & Analogies
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 vs. Non-Traditional Security
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Chapter Content
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.
Detailed Explanation
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.
Examples & Analogies
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.
Key Concepts
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Security: The absence of threats to a nation or individuals.
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National Security: Protection of the state from external and internal threats.
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Human Security: Emphasizes individual well-being as part of security.
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Traditional Security: Relies on military responses to external threats.
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Non-traditional Security: Addresses broader threats like economic security, climate change, and health risks.
Examples & Applications
The threat of nuclear war between two countries is an example of traditional security.
Terrorism, which affects civilians and spreads fear, illustrates a non-traditional security threat.
Memory Aids
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Rhymes
Security is more than might, human safety must take flight.
Stories
Once in a land where only knights seemed right, there lived people who feared each night. They thought safety was swords and walls, until they noticed security means to heed all calls.
Memory Tools
To remember types of security, think of HNT (Human, National, Traditional).
Acronyms
For security cooperation, remember TEAM
Together Everyone Achieves More!
Flash Cards
Glossary
- National Security
A state’s duty to protect its citizens, economy, and institutions against threats.
- Human Security
Focus on protecting individuals’ well-being rather than just state sovereignty.
- Traditional Security
Security that mainly addresses military threats from other states.
- Nontraditional Security
Includes broader threats like terrorism, environmental issues, and health crises.
- Cooperative Security
A framework where states work together to mitigate common security risks.
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