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Lesson-1

NATIONAL SECURITY - DEFINITION AND CONCEPT

Structure
Objective
Introduction
Definition and Concept
Objectives of National Security
Threats to National Security
a) External Threats
b) Internal Threats
c) Non-Conventional Threats.
Aspects of National Security
National Interest
National Principles
National Objectives
National Policies
Summary
Glossary
Further Readings
Model Questions
OBJECTIVES
After studying this lesson; you must be able to —
 write the various definition of National Security;
 describe the objectives of National Security;
 explain the different threats to National Security; and
 discuss the different aspects of National Security.
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INTRODUCTION
The primary duty of a country is to defend its sovereignty and territorial
integrity and its core values. National Security means national defence which is
often realized with the military preparedness of a nation. A Nation is secure to
the extent to which it is not in danger of having to sacrifice core values if it
Wishes to avoid war, and is able, if challenged, to maintain them by victory in
case of war.
Security is not only relational (relating to external environments and
internal situations) but also comprehensive in nature. The comprehensiveness
of security implies that national efforts to attain an acceptable and satisfactory
level of security must be directed simultaneously at various levels. First, the
transformation of the overall international environment into a favourable one.
Second, a reasonable level of self reliance (both in economic and military affairs)
and Third, a stable political system satisfying the sense of participation among
the public in general which in turn is likely to the sense of deprivation if not
ether eliminate it.
DEFINITION AND CONCEPT
Various attempts at defining national security have been made. There is
no universal definition, as it means different things to different countries. A
distinction between traditional and Western-oriented definitions of national
security, broadened definitions and definitions specifically applicable to Third
World countries has also developed. Cold War definitions of national security
tended to emphasise external and more specifically military threats. It has been
defined as "the ability to preserve the nation's physical integrity and territory; to
maintain its economic relations with the rest of the world on reasonable terms;
to protect its nature, institutions and governance from disruptions from
outside; and to control its borders”.
According to Walter Lipmann, ‘A nation is considered to be secure only,
when it does not have to sacrifice her legitimate national maintaining these
objectives through the course of war’. According to large number of Analysts,
National Security refers to that capability of a nation on which the nation
defends its honour both from internal as well as external threats. From the
above, one can fairly assume that National Security, is the maintenance of
identity and independence of a nation i.e. sovereignty of the nation. To ensure
National Security, both external and internal dimensions are required to be
looked into. Besides ensuring security of the people against external as well as
internal threats, it encompasses preservation. of national integrity.
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The common concept of National Security in the West is “the ability of a

nation to protect its internal values from external threats”. The concept of
security of a nation goes back to the dawn of nation states themselves. Armies
for domestic peacekeeping and maintaining national sovereignty have existed
since the dawn of recorded history. Civil and national police forces have also
existed for millennia. Intelligence agencies and secret services of governments
stretch back to antiquity such as the Roman Empire's frumentarii and agens in
rebus. While the general concepts of keeping a nation secure are not new, the
specific modern English term "national security” itself came into common
parlance in the 20th Century. Methodologies to achieve and maintain the
highest possible desired state of national security have been consistently
developed over the modem period to this day.
The modern concept of national security was introduced in the United
States after World War II and became an official guiding principle of foreign
policy in the United States when the National Security Act of I947 was signed
on July 26, l947 by U.S. President Harry S. Truman. During the Cold War’s
bipolar system, states often relied heavily on the two superpowers and other
aligned nations to assist their national security. This principal is referred to as
collective security, a term which came into vogue after the Armistice of World
War I.
Since the breakup of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War, and
with the rise of terrorism, national security has had to shift its focus
dramatically. Security Sector Reform (SSR) and Security Sector Management
(SSM) are needed in many nations for different reasons. Some are nations
emerging from repressive regimes or recovering from civil wars. Others are
developing nations with weak governments where national security sectors
never existed or were never strong before. The United States saw its own
security sector overhaul with the establishment of the Department of Homeland
Security in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The 26/11 Mumbai attacks
also awakened India’s security agencies to year up both Internal and external
security.
National security refers to the requirement to maintain the survival of the
nation-state through the use of economic, military and political power and the
exercise of diplomacy. Measures taken to ensure national security include:
 using diplomacy to rally allies and isolate threats
 maintaining effective armed forces
 implementing civil defense and-emergency preparedness measures
(including anti-terrorism legislation)
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 ensuring the resilience and redundancy of critical infrastructure

 using intelligence services to detect and defeat or avoid threats and
espionage, and to protect classified information
 using counterintelligence services or secret police to protect the nation
from internal threats etc.
OBJECTIVES OF NATIONAL SECURITY
The objectives of National Security are as follows :-
 To foresee and ensure security against external threats.
 To foresee and safeguard the nation against internal threats.
 To ensure the economic development of the nation.
 To uplift its people in order to make an egalitarian society.
 Self sufficiency in production both in agricultural and industrial sectors.
 To ensure a pragmatic diplomatic and foreign policy.
 To maintain a strong and sufficient defence forces for military
preparedness of a nation.
 To maintain industrial backup to ensure self sufficiency in production.
 Understanding and appreciating the requirement of defence forces.
 Maintaining high morale of troops and ensuring high quality leadership.
 Review the threat perceptions continuously and periodically and taking
necessary steps to meet the threats.
THREATS TO NATIONAL SECURITY
Threats are a matter of perception. Their assessments take into account
capacities, not so much intentions, of a potential adversary. For an accurate
reading, the short term and long term objectives of all leading players in the
world have to be judged. The threats to the National Security of a nation
especially with reference to Indian context can be classified in the following
broad ways -
i) External Threats
ii) Internal Threats
iii) Non-Conventional Threats
The above broad ways of threats can be covered in the following sub
headings -
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a) Protection of Land Borders - India’s land border starting from

Bangladesh in the East to Pakistan in the West stretched to 15,000 kms and
touches six countries (friendly and hostile). The countries and their border with
India are -
Bangladesh - 4,096 km
Myanmar - 1,643 km
China - 3,482 km
Bhutan - 699 km
Nepal - 1,751 km
Pakistan - 3,323 km
Total - 15,000 Kms
The protection of these land borders is a major problem especially with
the hostile neighbours like Pakistan, Bangladesh and China. Since
independence in 1947, India has faced problems with Pakistan and China. Bur
recently problems with Bangladesh regarding border dispute and illegal
migration have posed major security problem. As for Pakistan, sponsoring
terrorism across the border is one of the major security problems for the
National Security of India.
b) Protection of the Coastline and Maritime Interest - India has a
coastline of 7562 km. In addition to this India has 1,197 Islands - small and big
- located and spread out in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. Moreover,
97 percent of India’s trade with other countries is through the Indian Ocean.
So, ensuring the safety and security of the long coastline, island territories and
maritime interest on the Indian shores and off shores
poses a great threat to the National Security of the country.
c) Threat of Conventional War - Since independence India has fought
five conventional wars with its neighbours - Pakistan and China India has
fought four major wars with Pakistan i.e. 1947-48 Jammu and Kashmir
conflict,1965 War, 1971 War and Kargil War of 1999. In addition, India had
faced the India China War of 1962. These two neighbours continue to remain
our past, present and potential enemies. Thus, the threat of conventional war
looms large which is a major National Security threat, though the enormous
costs of conventional war prohibits such an exercise.
d) Threat of Nuclear War - South Asia is considered as a nuclear flash
point because of the presence of nuclear weapon states which had not so
cordial relations. Both India and Pakistan have developed their nuclear
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weapons in late 1980’s. After the Kargil War (1999), when both the countries
had mobilized their defence forces for a conventional war, Pakistan did not
ruled out the threat of nuclear strike. The availability of nuclear weapons to
Pakistan and their political instability does not rule out the threat of a nuclear
war, which is a major National Security threat to India.
e) Terrorism - Terrorism is the systematic use of terror especially as a
means of coercion. At present, the International community has been unable to
formulate a universally agreed, legally binding, and criminal law definition of
terrorism. Common definitions of terrorism refer only to those violent acts
which are intended to create fear (terror), are perpetrated for an ideological goal,
and deliberately target or disregard the safety of non-combatants (civilians).
India is a victim of terrorism. in August 2008, National Security Advisor M K
Narayanan has said that there are as many as 800 terrorist cells operating in
the country. The most recent act of terrorism being perpetrated in India was the
26/11 Mumbai attack.
f) Low intensity Conflict - Low intensity Conflict (LIC) is the use of
military forces applied selectively and with restraint to enforce compliance with
the policies or objectives of the political body controlling the military force. The
term can be used to describe conflicts where at least one or both of the
opposing parties operate along such lines. As we have seen the case in J&K
since 1947, low intensity conflicts are an ongoing process. In many cases,
instigators, infiltrators, own population not satisfied with the governance
continues to pose security problems. Aiding, training and equipping these
terrorists by Pakistan pose a major threat to the National Security of India.
g) Insurgency - Insurgency is an armed rebellion against a constituted
authority when those taking part in the rebellion are not recognized as
belligerents. An insurgency can, be fought via counter-insurgency warfare. In
India insurgency is going on in the Northeast region, especially in Assam,
Nagaland and Manipur. Some of the insurgent groups are trying to destabilize
the peace process within the country. These are the people who want to get
political mileage out of these movements of insurgency.
h) Naxalism - The Naxalites, Naxals are Maoist communist group in
India. The Naxal name comes from the village of Naxalbari in the Indian state of
West Bengal where the movement originated. As of 2009, Naxalites were active
across approximately 220 districts in twenty states of India accounting for
about 40 percent of India’s geographical area. They are especially concentrated
in an area known as the “Red Corridor”, where they control 92,000 sq. km.
According to India’s intelligence agency, 20,000 armed, cadre Naxalites were
operating in addition to 50,000 regular cadres and their growing influence
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prompted Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to declare them to be the

most serious internal threat to India’s national security. Presently they have
become havoc to our internal security.
i) Non-military Threats - Non-military threats are rooted in political,
social, economic and ecological policies made by the country. The 21st century
presents new paradigms to security. Politico-military threats have been joined
by security issues relating to energy, water, food, environment, and climate
change. Accordingly, the focus areas of the cluster have been energy, water,
environment and climate change. So in order to secure a nation these non-
military aspects need to be concentrated.
ASPECTS OF NATIONAL SECURITY
The following aspects pertaining to National Security are worth
mentioning -
a) Security - It is important to maintain the identity and independence
of the nation i.e. ensuring the sovereignty of the nation. Both internal as well as
external security is required to be ensured. Basically, it is the external security
which is more important. Measure to ensure security are - preservation of
National integrity, security of life of people, uplift of the poor, development of
technology, increase of industrial as well as agricultural production, high and
sustained economic growth, and self sufficiency indie production of weapons
and equipments in the country.
b) National Development - Economic development is must to ensure the
development of a nation. It is the back bone of a nation’s development policy.
Not only the economy but also the social and political aspects are also
important to ensure a nation’s development. Without social and political
stability, economic development alone cannot make National Development a
reality.
c) World Order - In realizing a nation’s policies, creation of peaceful
atmosphere and condition in the world is required. No tension should be there
in the world, otherwise; it may lead to tensions, conflicts, suffering of trade,
economy and over and above straining of International Relations. Here, good
relations with neighbours becomes the most important criteria.
d) Ensuring the Security of Frontiers - To ensure National Security, it
may be necessary to maintain the frontiers of a nation by deploying sufficient
defence force on the disputed or problem areas. Not only just defending the own
frontiers but also a nation should be capable of helping the neighbor’s problems
when that is in dire need to safeguard their integrity.
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NATIONAL INTEREST
National Interest is the sum total of national values. These values are
connected with political aspirations, welfare of people, culture, and preparations
to meet internal as well as external threats. In order to protect and ensure
National Interest, foreign policy of a nation plays a very important and
significant part. A good, stable and firm foreign policy will ensure and
strengthen the National interest of a nation. On the other hand, a weak and
unstable foreign policy may jeopardize the National Interest which in turn may
endanger the National Security.
NATIONAL PRINCIPLES
National Principles are the enduring rules of conduct that characterize a
nation. These principles are made, amended and modified from time to time
depending upon the national security and national interest requirements.
National principles differ from nation to nation based on the geographical
location, type of people, ideologies and types of government. National Principles
however, exert a significant and powerful influence on national decision making
and during their implementation.
NATIONAL OBJECTIVES
National Objectives are the broad based goals of a nation based on
certain principles which are designed to keep the national interest. Again, these
objectives keep on changing from time to time with -the requirement of security
and national interest. Some of the national objectives could be for expanding
national economy, deterrence of war, social and cultural advancements,
upliftment of poor, better education, technical advancement, attainment of self
sufficiency etc.
NATIONAL POLICIES
National Policies are specific course of action undertaken by a nation to
achieve the national objectives. National Policies may be considered as the
means to accomplish the national objectives. These policies must take into
account all the elements of national strength in order to ensure and achieve
good results. Above all, in formulating the national policies the leaders must not
lose the sight of the domestic factors like geography, natural resources,
industrial capacity, strategic position of the country etc.
SUMMARY
The primary duty of a country is to defend its sovereignty and territorial
integrity and its core values. National Security means national defence which is
often realized with the military preparedness of a nation. National Security is
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the ability of a nation to protect its internal values from external threats. It is
the requirement to maintain the survival of the nation-state through the use of
economic, military and political power and the exercise of diplomacy. In order to
understand the concept of National Security, it is necessary to understand all
the aspects of mentioned above. To ensure security of a nation both the internal
as well as the external threats need to be understood. Sufficient safeguards by
way of making national objective and national policies are also required. While
formulating the policies the leaders must keep in sight the domestic factors like
geography, natural resources, industrial capacity, strategic position of the
country etc.
Self Assessment Questions
1. India shares its largest border with China?
Answers: a) Yes b) No
2. India shares its smallest border with Bhutan?
Answers: a) Yes b) No
3. The Indian Coastline is 7562 km?
Answers: a) Yes b) No

GLOSSARY
 Frumentarii - Frumentarii were the secret service of the Roman Empire.
There are two main sources of information about the frumentarii,
inspections on gravestones and anecdotes where the actions of
frumentarii are mentioned by historians. From what is known of the
Frumentarii, they always worked in uniform.The Empire was based on
patronage, not an ideology. From inscriptions; one of the few known
about the frumentarii is that they were mostly attached to individual
legions, except for a few centurion frumentarii
 Agens in Rebus - Agens in rebus were the Roman imperial courier
service and general agents of the central government from the 4th to the
7th centuries. As the service handling communications and
communications systems within the Empire, their duties included the
supervision of the roads and inns of the public postal system, the
carrying of letters, or verifying that a traveler was carrying the, right
warrant while using the cursus.
 National Security Act, I947 - The National Security Act of 1947 was
signed by United States President Harry S. Truman on July 26, 1947,
and realigned and reorganized the U.S. Armed Forces, Foreign Policy,
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and Intelligence Community apparatus in the aftermath of World War ll.

The majority of the provisions of the Act took effect on September 18,
I947. This Act was later changed in the amendment to the act in 1949,"
creating what was to be the Department of Defense
 SSR - Security Sector Reform (SSR) is a concept to reform or rebuild a
state's security sector that emerged first in the l990s in Eastern Europe.
Lt starts where a dysfunctional security sector is unable to provide
security to the state and its people effectively and under democratic
principles. Even worse, the security sector can be a source of widespread
insecurity by itself. In this respect, an unreformed or misconstructed
security sector represents a decisive obstacle to the promotion of
sustainable development, democracy and peace. SSR is an operational as
well as a normative concept. SSR can be seen as a branch of an
increasing international efforts to secure one’s human security.
 SSM - The objectives of this programme are for participants to be able to
develop and implement strategic security sector plans and analyse,
communicate and evaluate the broader implications for related areas
within state and regional frameworks; display knowledge of the players,
processes and structure across across a state’s wider security sector;
understand the skill sets required to implement the effective governance
of security policy and resources; fully comprehend the way in which
national security requirements and development priorities are managed
in a mutually supportive way; develop transferable skills in areas such as
strategic management, project management and risk management;
critically analyse and evaluate strategic national security policy, donor
policy and development agenda; produce coherent and rigorous security
sector strategies, programme plans, change management schemes and
performance assessment criteria; implement and control national
security plans
SUGGESTED READINGS
 Hans J. Morgenthau, Politics Among Nations, Kalyani Publishres, Darya
Ganj, New Delhi 2000.
 Mahendra Kumar, Theoritical Aspects of International Politics, Shiva Lal
Agarwal, Agra, 1967.
 Lt. Gen. Ashok Joshi, Restructuring National Security, Manas
Publications, New Delhi, 2000.
 Michael Louw, National Security: A Modern Approach, Institute for
Strategic Studies, University of Pretoria, 1978. ,
 Anjali Bhattacharjee, National Security, Gale Group, United States, 2003.
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 S.T. Das, National Security in Perspective, Gian Publishing House, Delhi,

1987.
MODEL QUESTIONS
i) Write short notes on — National Security, National Interest, National
Principles and National Objective.
ii) Write down the objectives of National Security.
iii) What are the National Security threats in the Indian context? Explain them.
iv) Describe the different aspects of National Security.

Answers to Self Assessment Questions

1. No 2. Yes 3. Yes