5.6. New Sources of Threats

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.

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.

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.

Terrorism refers to political violence that targets civilians deliberately and indiscriminately. International terrorism involves the citizens or territory of more than one country.

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.

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 like HIV/AIDS, bird flu, and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) have rapidly spread across countries through migration, business, tourism and military operations.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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