5.6 - New Sources of Threats
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Understanding Security
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Today, we’re going to discuss the concept of security and its sources of threats. To start, what do you think security means?
I think security means being safe from harm.
That’s right! Security implies freedom from threats. Now, could anyone give examples of what threats might undermine security?
Maybe military threats from another country?
Excellent! That's known as traditional security. Can anyone think of other types of threats that could be considered non-traditional?
What about things like terrorism or disease outbreaks?
Exactly! Those are part of non-traditional security threats. Remember the acronym T.E.D for Terrorism, Environmental issues, and Diseases. Can anyone explain why these are increasingly important in today's world?
Because they affect many countries and people’s safety in ways that traditional military forces can't always handle.
Correct! It’s pivotal we recognize both traditional and non-traditional security in our understanding of global threats.
Traditional vs. Non-Traditional Security
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Let’s contrast traditional and non-traditional security. What do you think defines traditional security?
It's mostly about military threats and protecting borders.
Yes! Traditional security focuses on military capabilities and state sovereignty. Now, how does non-traditional security differ?
It includes things like global warming and pandemics that can’t be solved by a military response.
Correct! Non-traditional security recognizes the need for international cooperation. Why do you think that is?
Because issues like disease spread across borders, so countries need to work together.
Great point! So, it’s essential we approach threats comprehensively, combining military readiness with cooperation on global issues.
Real-world Implications
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Now, let’s discuss the implications of traditional and non-traditional security in real-world contexts. What are some current global issues we see?
We face terrorism and climate change as big problems.
Absolutely! Each of these poses unique threats that require different responses. How do we address terrorism?
Through international laws and cooperative efforts, like sharing intelligence.
Exactly! And what about climate change? How does it affect security?
It can lead to resource shortages and force people to migrate, which might create conflict.
Exactly! It’s crucial we have both security measures and humanitarian strategies in place.
Introduction & Overview
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Quick Overview
Standard
The section covers the distinctions between traditional and non-traditional security threats, outlining how these threats manifest in global and local contexts. It emphasizes the evolving nature of security concerns, including military conflicts, internal strife, and global issues like terrorism, environmental degradation, and health crises.
Detailed
In this section, we explore the concept of security and the sources of threats that challenge it. Security can be broadly categorized into traditional and non-traditional frameworks. Traditional security focuses mainly on military threats from external forces, aiming to protect a state’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. In contrast, non-traditional security encompasses a wider range of threats, including those arising from economic, environmental, and health-related issues. This broader perspective acknowledges that threats such as global terrorism, infectious diseases, and climate change are increasingly critical in determining the security landscape. The section emphasizes real-world implications of security strategies, noting how cooperation among nations is vital for addressing shared threats in an interconnected world. As we analyze the historical contexts of these threats, significant trends such as the rise in civil wars and internal conflicts, particularly in developing countries, highlight the urgency of these discussions.
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Introduction to Non-Traditional Threats
Chapter 1 of 6
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Chapter Content
The non-traditional conceptions—both human security and global security—focus on the changing nature of threats to security. We will discuss some of these threats in the section below.
Detailed Explanation
This chunk introduces the idea that security threats are not just military or external in nature but include various factors that affect human life. Non-traditional security concepts expand the definition of security to include issues like health, environment, and human rights.
Examples & Analogies
Consider a community affected by pollution from nearby factories. While traditional security might focus on military threats, this community's health and well-being are endangered by environmental degradation, showcasing the importance of non-traditional security.
Understanding Terrorism
Chapter 2 of 6
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Chapter Content
Terrorism refers to political violence that targets civilians deliberately and indiscriminately. International terrorism involves the citizens or territory of more than one country.
Detailed Explanation
Terrorism is characterized by acts intended to intimidate or coerce a population or government. It targets civilians rather than military personnel, aiming to instill fear and disrupt societal order. Understanding terrorism as a security threat is crucial for developing effective responses.
Examples & Analogies
Think of a movie plot where a group of characters faces a villain who uses violence to create chaos. Just like in the movies, real-life terrorism uses fear to achieve political goals, making communities feel unsafe.
Health Epidemics as Security Threats
Chapter 3 of 6
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Chapter Content
Health epidemics like HIV/AIDS, bird flu, and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) have rapidly spread across countries through migration, business, tourism and military operations.
Detailed Explanation
Health threats can transcend national borders, creating crises that impact global security. The spread of diseases due to travel and trade shows how interconnected the world is and highlights the need for international cooperation to address health concerns.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine a small town where an outbreak of flu occurs. People traveling to and from the town can spread the illness to nearby cities, illustrating how quickly health issues can escalate into larger public health threats.
Global Warming and Environmental Threats
Chapter 4 of 6
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Chapter Content
The idea of global security emerged in the 1990s in response to the global nature of threats such as global warming, international terrorism, and health epidemics.
Detailed Explanation
Global warming represents a significant non-traditional threat where changes to the climate can lead to severe consequences for nations. Rising sea levels, extreme weather, and resource scarcity can threaten national security and require collective international action to mitigate.
Examples & Analogies
Consider a coastal city at risk of flooding due to climate change. If the sea level rises, the city could be submerged. This scenario shows not only an environmental disaster but also a potential refugee crisis, where people would need to migrate to escape the flood.
The Impact of Poverty as Insecurity
Chapter 5 of 6
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Chapter Content
Global poverty is another source of insecurity. World population will grow significantly in the coming decades, with poverty linked to many violent conflicts and migrations.
Detailed Explanation
Poverty can lead to instability within countries, fostering conditions where conflict arises. As resources become scarce, competition for them can escalate tensions and lead to violence. Addressing poverty isn't just a humanitarian issue; it's a security issue.
Examples & Analogies
Think of a pie that is too small for a group of people. As they all try to take their share, conflicts and arguments can arise. Similarly, when resources are limited, and people are struggling, social unrest can turn into violent conflict.
Addressing Refugee Crises
Chapter 6 of 6
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Chapter Content
The refugee crisis is a consequence of wars and conflicts in the South, leading to millions of people being displaced globally. States are supposed to accept refugees but face challenges in doing so.
Detailed Explanation
Refugees are individuals who flee their homes due to threats or violence. The international community has a responsibility to protect them. However, not all countries accept refugees, leading to humanitarian crises that can strain resources and heighten security concerns.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine a family that must flee their home because of a war. They seek shelter in neighboring areas but find doors closed to them, leading to a humanitarian crisis. This illustrates the broader refugee challenges facing nations today.
Key Concepts
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Security: The state of being free from threats and dangers.
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Military Threats: Traditional concept focusing on external aggression to sovereignty.
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Global Cooperation: Essential to address non-traditional security threats effectively.
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Human Security: Focuses on protecting individuals rather than just states.
Examples & Applications
The 9/11 attacks are an example of terrorism affecting global security.
Climate change is a non-traditional security threat causing resource conflict.
Memory Aids
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Rhymes
Terror and disease, they both can spread, Across the world, like a ball of thread.
Stories
Once in a kingdom, the walls were strong, but outside threats like famine and disease grew long and wrong.
Memory Tools
Remember T.E.D for Terrorism, Environmental issues, and Diseases.
Acronyms
S.E.C for Security
Safety
Environmental
Cooperation.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Traditional Security
A concept of security primarily concerned with military threats and the defense of a state's sovereignty.
- NonTraditional Security
A broader concept of security encompassing a range of threats, including environmental issues, terrorism, and health crises.
- Human Security
Security focused on the protection of individuals and communities from a variety of threats.
- Terrorism
Political violence targeting civilians with the intent to instill fear and effect change.
- Global Security
An approach to security that considers threats transcending national borders, necessitating international cooperation.
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