What is World security?

The study of security lies at the heart of International Relations. But what is
security? Since the term has had many different meanings to different people in
different places and different times over the course of human history, there are
many different ways to think about security.
The term security stems from the Latin noun securitas, which in turn comes
from securus, meaning freedom from care. Both terms signify objective and
subjective aspects of this condition. Therefore, security is a product of both
material circumstances and the psychological state produced by those
circumstances. This understanding of "security" as a sense of freedom, devoid of
fear or personal violation has been an important concept in liberal political thought.
The shift from considering security as an individual to primarily a collective good
ensured by military or diplomatic means began towards the end of the 18th century,
when the security of individuals became subsumed under the security of the nation.
In a simple term, security is a state of being free from danger or threat.in an
elaborate or all-encompassing definition, security is a condition in which
individual , citizen live in freedom, peace and safety, participate fully in the
process of governance, Enjoy the protection of fundamental human rights, have
access to resources and the basic necessities of life and lives in an environment
which is not detrimental to their health and well-being and also enjoy in term of
secure system of food ,health , money and trade.
World security refers to the protection and preservation of global peace, stability
and well-being.it encompasses safety and security of individual, communities,
nations and the global community as a whole. It involves addressing and mitigating
threats to global stability, including political, economic, social, environmental and
military challenges
World security is a term which refers to the measures taken
by states and international organizations, such as United Nations, European Union,
and others, to ensure mutual survival and safety. These measures include military
action and diplomatic agreements such as treaties and conventions. International
and national security are invariably linked. International security is national
security or state security in the global arena.
The content of international security has expanded over the years. Today it covers
a variety of interconnected issues in the world that affect survival. It ranges from
the traditional or conventional modes of military power, the causes and
consequences of war between states, economic strength, to ethnic, religious and
ideological conflicts, trade and economic conflicts, energy supplies, science and
technology, food, as well as threats to human security and the stability of states
from environmental degradation, infectious diseases, climate change and the
activities of non-state actors.

While the wide perspective of international security regards everything as a

security matter, the traditional approach focuses mainly or exclusively on military
concerns.

Scopes or Dimension of World Security

As discussed, security cover a wide range-range of issues both traditional and non-
traditional which goes beyond describing as protection of life and property of an
individual but also covers measures to avoid other threats like environmental
pollutions, terrorism, epidermis etc on man and the state. It is necessary to discuss
various scope of security to stimulate our better understanding of the course.
a) Food Security: it is very important for every nation to be self-sustenance in
food production, that is to be able to feed majority on its locally grown food
such as millet, rice, maize etc. needs to be available to the people at cheaper
rate because food is n luxury but necessity. A secure society will always
adopt strategy to produce its food locally, for instance, Nigeria began to
experience depend crisis and insecurity since the emergency of oil boom in
1970s, when the problem is not how to generate funds but how to spend it.
Nigeria who used to be a major Agricultural export overnight became a
perpetual importer of food items. Many criminal activities are hidden under
this importation such as importing guns and ammunition under the pretense
of importing rice and other items which led to having illegal access to
ammunition all over the country.
b) Health Security; This involves safety against HIV-AIDS, Coronavirus, Lasa
fever, and other diseases like Malaria that account for a very high mortality
rate. It is part of government responsibilities to provide health security for its
citizens. Health security is very crucial to national development and that is
the reason why countries like UK and US have created opportunity for people
to access National Health Insurance Scheme. Also, there should be awareness
 sanitation programme in case of pandemics by educating the people about the
danger of outbreak of some diseases particularly those that are infectious and
contagious, e.g. tuberculosis, HIV-AIDS etc.
c) Economic Security: this can be described as a way of putting in place
measures and strategies that will ensure that every individual in the state is
not only entitled to employment but also has the right to a living wage. In
advanced countries, government often put in place social security for citizen
who are out of job, in which stipends are provided for them to keep body and
soul together, but is quite unfortunate in developing countries that
unemployed people are left to their own fate, such that nothing is done to
couching the suffering, those with jobs don’t have job security as employer
cheat and underpaid their employees, therefore been one of the major factors
responsible for the increasing criminality and criminal activities among the
people especially the youth. The major issue is poverty and is no surprising
that the life expectancy of Nigerian has fallen to 46-50 as against their
counterpart in developed nation which life expectancy stand at 70yrs or more.
d) Human Security: This is a security dimension that focuses on individual, not
the state. Human security holds that a people-centered, multi-disciplinary
understanding of security involving a number of research fields including
development studies, strategic studies, and human rights.
The United Nations Development Program’s 1994 Human Development
Report is considered a milestone publication in the field of human security,
with its argument insuring ‘freedom from want’ and ‘freedom from fear’ for
all persons is the best path to tackle the problem of global insecurity. The
critics of the concept argue that its vagueness undermines its effectiveness,
that it has become little more than a vehicle for activists wishing to promote
certain causes, and that it does not help the research community to
understand what security means or help decision makers to formulate good
policies. The emergence of human security discourse was the product
of a convergence of factors at the end of the cold war. Thinking in security
matters grew rapidly.

e) ational Security: This

is traditionally focused
 on the physical
protection of a state’s
territory
f) from military attacks
by other states. This
focus is reflected in the
express recognition of
the
g) ‘inherent right of
individual or collective
self-defense’ in article
51 of the UN Charter.
However,
h) national security
concerns have also
 diversified into
reflecting more
contemporary, acute
public
i) concerns that pose
greater threat to
individual and groups of
people. The evolved
conception of
j) national security has
posed challenge to the
interpretation and
application of existing
norms and
k) rules of international
law in dealing with non-
traditional security
threats. For example,
the shift
l) from a law
enforcement approach
to a military response
to transnational
terrorist activities that
m) are launched by
non-state actors,
without a state
involvement has
 challenged the
conventional
n) understanding that,
the right of self-defense
can only be exercised
in the case of an armed
attack
o) by one state against
another. The language
of security form
vaguely defined threats
to national
p) interest and has the
danger that, it could be
used to distort security
 discourse and justify
states
q) stepping back from
their international
legal obligations,
particularly those
which protect
r) individuals and
human right
e) National Security: This is traditionally focused on the physical protection of
a state’s territory from military attacks by other states. This focus is reflected
in the express recognition of the inherent right of individual or collective self-
defense’ in article 51 of the UN Charter. However, national security concerns
have also diversified into reflecting more contemporary, acute public
concerns that pose greater threat to individual and groups of people. The
evolved conception of national security has posed challenge to the
interpretation and application of existing norms and rules of international law
in dealing with non-traditional security threats. For example, the shift
from a law enforcement approach to a military response to transnational
terrorist activities that are launched by non-state actors, without a state
involvement has challenged the conventional understanding that, the right of
self-defense can only be exercised in the case of an armed attack by one state
against another. The language of security form vaguely defined threats to
national interest and has the danger that, it could be used to distort security
discourse and justify states stepping back from their international legal
obligations, particularly those which protect individuals and human right.

f) nvironmental
security: This
examines the threats
posed by trends in
the environment to
g) individuals,
communities, and
nations. It focuses
on the impact of
human conflict and
how
h) environmental
problems cross state
borders. It considers
 the abilities of
individuals,
communities
i) or nations to cope
with environmental
risks, conflicts, or
limited natural
resources. For example;
j) climate change can
be viewed as a
threat to
environmental
security. The
millennium project
k) assessed definitions
of environmental
security and created a
synthesis definition:
environmental
l) security is
environmental viability
for life support, with
three sub-elements;
(i) preventing or
m) repairing military
damage (ii) preventing
or responding to
environmentally caused
conflict (iii)
n) protecting the
environment due to
its inherent moral
value. Environmental
security is a key
o) concept in
international relations
and international
development. Projects
aimed to improve
p) aspect of
environmental security,
such as food security,
water security and also
connected aspect
q) such as energy
security, that are now
recognized as
sustainable
Development Goals at
UN level
r) (Farah, 2015).
Environmental security
has the following sub-
dimensions:
s) I. Water Security:
This is defined as the
reliable availability of
an acceptable
quantity or
t) quality of water for
health, livelihood and
production coupled with
an acceptable level of
u) water related risks
David and Cladia
(2007). Water
security also means
addressing
v) environmental
protection and
negative effect of
poor management. It
is also concerned
w) with ending
fragmented
responsibility for
water and
integrating water
resources
x) management across
all sectors-finance,
planning, agriculture,
energy, tourism,
industry,
y) education and health.
According to Nature
(2010), about 80% of
the world’s population
z) (5.6 billion in 2011)
lives in areas with
threats to water
security. The water
security is
aa)shared threat to
human and nature and
it is pandemic. Human
water management
strategies
bb) can be detrimental
to wildlife, such as
migrating fish. Regions
with intensive
agricultur
 nvironmental security:
f)

This examines the

threats posed by
trends in the
environment to
individuals,
communities, and
nations. It focuses on
the impact of human
conflict and how
environmental problems
cross state borders. It
considers the abilities of
individuals, communities
or nations to cope with
environmental risks,
conflicts, or limited
natural resources. For
example;
climate change can be
viewed as a threat to
environmental security.
The millennium project
assessed definitions of
environmental security
and created a synthesis
definition: environmental
security is
environmental viability
for life support, with
three sub-elements; (i)
preventing or
repairing military
damage (ii) preventing or
responding to
environmentally caused
conflict (iii)
protecting the
environment due to its
inherent moral value.
Environmental security
is a key
concept in
international relations
and international
development. Projects
aimed to improve
aspect of environmental
security, such as food
security, water security
and also connected
aspect
such as energy security,
that are now recognized
as sustainable
Development Goals at UN
level
(Farah, 2015).
Environmental security
has the following sub-
dimensions:
I. Water Security: This is
defined as the reliable
availability of an
acceptable quantity or
quality of water for
health, livelihood and
production coupled with
an acceptable level of
water related risks
David and Cladia
(2007). Water security
also means addressing
environmental protection
and negative effect of
poor management. It is
also concerned
with ending
fragmented
responsibility for water
and integrating water
resources
management across all
sectors-finance,
planning, agriculture,
energy, tourism,
industry,
education and health.
According to Nature
(2010), about 80% of
the world’s population
(5.6 billion in 2011)
lives in areas with
threats to water
security. The water
security is
shared threat to human
and nature and it is
pandemic. Human water
management strategies
can be detrimental to
wildlife, such as
migrating fish. Regions
with intensive agricultur
Environmental security:
f)

This examines the

threats posed by
trends in the
environment to
individuals,
communities, and
nations. It focuses on
the impact of human
conflict and how
environmental problems
cross state borders. It
considers the abilities of
individuals, communities
or nations to cope with
environmental risks,
conflicts, or limited
natural resources. For
example;
climate change can be
viewed as a threat to
environmental security.
The millennium project
assessed definitions of
environmental security
and created a synthesis
definition: environmental
security is
environmental viability
for life support, with
three sub-elements; (i)
preventing or
repairing military
damage (ii) preventing or
responding to
environmentally caused
conflict (iii)
protecting the
environment due to its
inherent moral value.
Environmental security
is a key
concept in
international relations
and international
development. Projects
aimed to improve
aspect of environmental
security, such as food
security, water security
and also connected
aspect
such as energy security,
that are now recognized
as sustainable
Development Goals at UN
level
(Farah, 2015).
Environmental security
has the following sub-
dimensions:
f) Environmental security: This examines the threats posed by trends in the
environment to individuals, communities, and nations. It focuses on the impact
of human conflict and how environmental problems cross state borders. It
considers the abilities of individuals, communities or nations to cope with
environmental risks, conflicts, or limited natural resources. For example;
climate change can be viewed as a threat to environmental security. The
millennium project assessed definitions of environmental security and created a
synthesis definition: environmental security is environmental viability for life
support, with three sub-elements; (i) preventing or repairing military damage (ii)
preventing or responding to environmentally caused conflict (iii) protecting the
environment due to its inherent moral value. Environmental security is a key
concept in international relations and international development. Projects
aimed to improve aspect of environmental security, such as food security,
water security and also connected aspect such as energy security, that are now
recognized as sustainable Development Goals at UN level (Farah, 2015).
Environmental security has the following sub-dimensions: water security, energy
and food security.
g) Transnational security: This deals with issues of threats such as organized
crime, terrorism, trafficking, small arms proliferation and other forms of
transnational security issues. There have been serious concerns among policy
makers. First, the negative impacts of such transnational issues do not remain
confined to the territorial boundary of a state; rather, it spills over and affect
other countries. Second, in recent times; transnational security threats have
caused serious damage to economic, social and political development. For
instance, drug trafficking, transnational terrorism, have created significant
 economic, social and political instability. There is also limitation of national-
level legislation and the absence of adequate transnational collaborative
mechanisms or legal regimes have made it quite difficult to decisively deal with
most transnational threats. It is considered major security threat for 21st century,
characterized by their global nature have also redefined the role of the military.
What compounds the scenario is that transnational threats are difficult to detect
and control. Experts believe that globalization has rendered unprecedented
economic growth, commerce, and international migration. Easier
communication has expanded the global, national and regional horizons,
creating new opportunities for most countries. However, at the same time,
globalization has also opened the floodgates to more sinister elements i.e.
transnational security threats.
Information Security refers to the processes and methodologies which are
designed and implemented to protect print, electronic, or any other form of
confidential, private and sensitive information or data from unauthorized access,
use, misuse, disclosure, destruction, modification, or disruption (SANS
Institute, 2016). It is concerned with the confidentiality, integrity and
availability of data, regardless of the form the data may take: electronic, print, or
other forms (University of Nevada, 2015). These elements of confidentiality,
integrity and availability are the three most widely accepted components of
information security (abbreviated as CIA) (University of Nevada, 2015).
Financial Security: refers to the peace of mind one feels when they are not
worried about their income being enough to cover their expenses. It also means
that one has enough money saved to cover emergencies and their future financial
goals (Quicken, 2016). Used interchangeably with financial security, Economic
Security is a situation of having a stable source of financial income that allows
for the ongoing maintenance of one’s standard of living currently and in the
near future (Business Dictionary, 2016). The ILO (International Labour
Organization) says economic security is composed of basic security, which is
the access to basic needs such as health, education, homes, and information, as
well as work-related security, which includes job security, income security.

WHY GLOBAL OR WORLD SECURITY IS NECESSARY

National security has been described as the ability of a state to cater for the
protection and defence of its citizenry. Security is defined by Samuel Makinda as
“the preservation of the norms, rules, institutions and values of society “appears to
be useful. He further argues that all the institutions, principles and structures
associated with society, including its people are to be protected from “military and
non-military threats” The term “preservation”, as an important component of this
definition, presupposes conscious, deliberate and definite steps and actions. Hence,
the perception of the leadership of a society determines its actions and guides its
efforts, which becomes evident in the width and depth of the security agenda of
that society. Makinda’s definition of security fits into this confine of national
security. Global security, on the other hand, evolved from the necessity that nature
and many other activities, particularly globalization, have placed on states. These
are demands that no national security apparatus has the capacity to handle on its
own and, as such, call for the cooperation of states. The global interconnection and
interdependence among states that the world has experienced and continues to
experience since the end of the cold war, makes it necessary for states to cooperate
more and work together.
Security complexity is a concern because of the major challenges that the field of
global security has to contend with is the concept of security complex, a situation
in which the security concerns of states are deeply interconnected to the point that
one state’s security needs cannot be realistically considered without taking into
consideration the security needs of the other states. The fear or threat content of
security complex breeds rivalry among states. The remedy for such rivalry lies in
cooperation which can only be found in global security initiatives among states.
In simple terms, the following are the reason for world/ global security
Causes of International Security Threats
1. Military Conflicts: Territorial disputes, power imbalances, and historical
grievances can lead to wars or armed conflicts.
2. Terrorism: Non-state actors, such as terrorist organizations, pose significant
threats to national and global security.
3. Nuclear Proliferation: The spread of nuclear weapons and technology
increases the risk of nuclear conflict and arms races.
4. Cybersecurity Threats: Cyberattacks on critical infrastructure and data
breaches can destabilize nations and economies.
 5. Economic Instability: Economic crises can lead to social unrest and
conflict, affecting international relations.
6. Environmental Issues: Climate change, resource scarcity, and natural
disasters can exacerbate tensions and lead to conflicts over resources.
7. Human Rights Violations: Authoritarian regimes and human rights abuses
can spark unrest and lead to international intervention.
OR USE THIS
One of the major challenges that the field of global security has to contend with is
the concept of security complex, a situation in which the security concerns of states
are deeply interconnected to the point that one state’s security needs cannot be
realistically considered without taking into consideration the security needs of the
other states. The fear or threat content of security complex breeds rivalry among
states. The remedy for such rivalry lies in cooperation which can only be found in
global security initiatives among states.
With the advocacy of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of
Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) human security elements have acquired a wider
dimension, for they go beyond military protection and engage threats to human
dignity. Accordingly, it has become necessary for states to make conscious efforts
towards building links with other states and to consciously engage in global
security initiatives. OCHA’s expanded definition of security calls for a wide range
of security areas:
1. Economic: creation of employment and measures against poverty.
2. Food: measures against hunger and famine.
3. Health: measures against disease, unsafe food, malnutrition and lack of access
to basic health care.
4. Environmental: measures against environmental degradation, resource
depletion, natural disasters and pollution.
5. Personal: measures against physical violence, crime, terrorism, domestic
violence and child labour.
6. Community: measures against inter-ethnic, religious and other identity
tensions.
7. Political: measures against political repression and human rights abuses. 6
A critical examination of these OCHA human security measures makes global
security an important exercise to analyse. For instance, there are many states where
the capacity to deal with issues of unemployment are grossly lacking. The same
applies to food provision and other areas.
Health care poses a challenge in varying dimensions at different levels in many
states. As a result of globalization, people from different parts of the world
crisscross between geographical boundaries. As much as this has claimed to bring
economic prosperity, it is also replete with challenges, particularly in regard to the
spread of communicable diseases, crime and terrorism.
Aside from spill outs resulting from deliberate human activities, another area of
concern is the consequences of internal conflicts, which include refugee problems
and which transcend geographical contiguity. Environmental and climate change
issues are other areas that call for more cooperation among states, especially when
dealing with the aftermath of an earthquake or a tsunami.
Disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction are other areas
that make global collaboration and cooperation necessary. The acquisition of
nuclear weapons and similar armaments, which started as a national security
option, has become today a major threat to national and global security. The
seemingly hard-line posture of many state actors towards disarmament requires the
development of a moral consciousness that can only be reinforced by cooperation
and collaboration at the international level.
It might be true that states are in competition, as argued by Jabeen Musarrat. 7 To a
great extent, there seems to be distrust at the global level, even after the end of the
cold war. This leads one to think that perhaps the cold war did not actually come to
an end but merely changed its nature.
Key Actors in World Security
1. The field of international relations has long focused on states as the most
important actors in global politics. Examples of states include the United
States, Germany, China, India, Bolivia, South Africa, Brazil, Saudi Arabia,
and Vietnam. As of 2017, there were 193 member-states of the international
system as recognized by the United Nations. States are collections of
political officials—like a president—and bureaucratic agencies—like the
military—responsible for regulating the political, social, and economic
 interactions of its citizenry. States hold political authority over their citizens,
directing their behavior by writing and enforcing laws. States oversee a
defined territorial jurisdiction that limits the geographic range of their
political authority. Their borders are exclusionary. They limit the authority of
other states over the people that reside within them. The sovereignty, or right
to rule, of states must be recognized by other states in the system to achieve
statehood. States are important actors in international relations because their
governments set the rules structuring how their citizens interact (through
trade or working abroad, for example) with people all over the world.
States possess multiple attributes that differentiate them, including population,
economic wealth, territorial size, and government type. We focus on two
characteristics, namely interests and capabilities, which distinguish all actors in the
international system. National interests refer to the broad political, economic, and
social goals that motivate the policies pursued by governments. The political
leadership of a state often sets these interests in reaction to a mix of pressures from
inside and outside the state. During the Cold War, the primary national interest of
the United States focused on containing the expansion of Soviet power and
influence in Asia, Europe, and Africa. Alternatively, the importance of internal
factors in setting the national interests of a state can be seen when politicians from
a different political party replace a government. President Trump defines the
interests of the United States relative to Russia in much more cooperative terms
than his Democratic predecessor, Barack Obama.
The content of these interests can vary significantly. They may stem from
economic incentives to maintain industrial competitiveness or maximize economic
growth. Some states may always focus instead on national security needs
associated with the protection of sovereignty. Or citizens may pressure their
government to preserve the collective identity of a citizenry based on religion by
limiting immigration.
For example, the United States has long sought to promote democracy around the
world in its foreign policy. China, instead, has repeatedly reaffirmed its support for
sovereignty and the principle of noninterference in the domestic political affairs of
other states. These different political goals sometimes place the governments of
these two states in conflict with each other and limit their ability to reach political
compromise in multiple issue areas, particularly when the United States has
pressured China for greater political reform.
The ability of any significant actor in the international system, like a state, to
realize its political goals or interests depends partly on its capabilities. Actors use
these military, political, and economic resources to achieve their goals in
negotiating situations with others. The capabilities of states rest on many factors,
including national income, the size of the military, and population. For example,
wealthier states draw on their financial resources to build large militaries. These
military capabilities can pressure another state or international actor into
complying with some set of political demands, often by making threats to impose
costs for noncompliance. During the Cold War, the United States threatened to
launch nuclear weapons against the Soviet Union if it invaded West Germany.
2. International organization (IO) like the United Nations, the European Union,
and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), are also important
actors in international politics. Among other things, they regulate
international trade, coordinate joint military missions among states, deter
military aggression, promote important principles like respect for human
rights, and help to settle disputes among states.
3. Great Power are a unique subgroup of states. They possess
disproportionately more economic and military resources than the other
states in the international system. These resources enable them to project
military and political influence beyond their territorial boundaries, even
shaping political outcomes and institutions within weaker states around the
world. They deploy their own troops on military bases far away from their
home territory. Up through World War II, a standard indicator of great power
status was the possession of overseas colonies that comprised an empire.
Great Britain’s position as a wealthy great power during the nineteenth and
early twentieth centuries depended significantly on its imperial control over
India. The foreign policy interests of great powers are global in geographic
scope, extending beyond their immediate territorial boundaries and
respective regional neighborhoods. The United States, for example, deploys
troops and aircraft carrier battle groups to the Middle East to protect
shipping lanes in the Persian Gulf and stabilize global oil markets.
4. Large Multi-National Corporation shape political and economic outcomes
throughout the world. They operate in many countries and help transfer
capital and technology from economies that are wealthy to those that are
poorer. Collectively, they employ tens of millions of people around the
world. The largest financial institutions in the world, like JPMorgan Chase,
 consistently generate over $20 billion in annual revenues. As of 2017, this
figure surpassed the gross domestic product (GDP) of over 80 economies in
the world. JPMorgan Chase also controls assets worth over $2.5 trillion. This
valuation exceeds the GDP of all economies in the world except those of the
United States, China, Japan, the United Kingdom, and Germany!
Their responsibility for a sizable portion of global economic activity also grants
MNCs significant political influence in the developed and developing world
that simultaneously demonstrates their independence from national
governments. Multinational corporations can prompt changes in a government’s
economic and social policies by threatening to relocate their business operations
to another state. Sometimes governments respond to these pressures by relaxing
labor protection laws or cutting corporate taxes to ensure these companies
continue to create jobs for their citizens.
5.The era of globalization has created new opportunities for nonstate groups
whose membership spans national boundaries to influence important
international events.
Transnational Activist within a larger global civil society pressure
government and MNCs to respect human rights, coordinate and provide aid
in the midst of natural disasters, support refugees, and advocate on behalf of
important social goals like poverty alleviation. These activists are often
mobilized and coordinated through nongovernmental organizations
(NGOs). Prominent examples of NGOs include Amnesty International,
Doctors without Borders, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation,
Greenpeace, and Oxfam.
The political and social activities of transnational activists differ from other
nonstate actors like business firms. They often pursue moral concerns rather than
economic self-interest. For example, Amnesty International investigates and
publicizes human rights violations by governments to encourage political pressure
on them from their own domestic citizens, other governments, and international
organizations. Accordingly, NGOs, can also shape larger global discourses about
whether policies pursued by governments are just or morally appropriate. Their
actions illustrate the political permeability of national boundaries in the current era
of globalization. Governments must often react to their own citizens and to the
pressures emanating from a global citizenry residing outside of their territorial
boundaries.
 6 Finally, we also have to include prominent individuals as important actors in
international relations. These often include the leaders of powerful states,
corporations, and international organizations. Their decisions can set the
policies of governments and corporations. They often serve as inspirational
opinion leaders that propel larger political movements. You can see the
impact of individuals on international relations with a simple thought
exercise. How might U.S. relations with its NATO allies—as well as Russia,
China, North Korea, and Iran—be different if Hillary Clinton, rather than
Donald Trump, had won the U.S. presidential election.
INTERNATIONAL AGENCIES IN WOLRD SECURITY
International security is a term which refers to the measures taken
by states and international organizations, such as the United Nations, European
Union, and others, to ensure mutual survival and safety. These measures include
military action and diplomatic agreements such as treaties and conventions.
International and national security are invariably linked. International security is
national security or state security in the global arena.
International security refers to the measures taken by states and international
organizations to ensure mutual survival and safety. It encompasses a wide range of
issues, including military threats, economic stability, environmental concerns, and
human rights. The primary focus is on preventing conflict, managing crises, and
fostering cooperation among nations.
The United Nations (UN) was created in 1945, following the devastation of the
Second World War, with one central mission: the maintenance of international
peace and security. The UN accomplishes this by working to prevent conflict,
helping parties in conflict make peace, deploying peacekeepers, and creating the
conditions to allow peace to hold and flourish. These activities often overlap and
should reinforce one another, to be effective.
The UN Security Council has the primary responsibility for international peace and
security. The General Assembly and the Secretary-General play major, important,
and complementary roles, along with other UN offices and bodies.
The Security Council takes the lead in determining the existence of a threat to the
peace or an act of aggression. It calls upon the parties to a dispute to settle it by
peaceful means and recommends methods of adjustment or terms of settlement.
Under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, the Security Council can take enforcement
measures to maintain or restore international peace and security. Such measures
range from economic sanctions to international military action. The Council also
establishes UN Peacekeeping Operations and Special Political Missions.
The General Assembly is the main deliberative, policymaking and representative
organ of the UN. Through regular meetings, the General Assembly provides a
forum for Member States to express their views to the entire membership and find
consensus on difficult issues. It makes recommendations in the form of General
Assembly resolutions. Decisions on important questions, such as those on peace
and security, admission of new members and budgetary matters, require a two-
thirds majority, but other questions are decided by simple majority.
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) stablished in 1949, NATO
constituted a component of a more comprehensive initiative aimed at fulfilling
three objectives: deterring Soviet expansionism, preventing the resurgence of
nationalist militarism in Europe by maintaining a robust North American presence
on the continent, and fostering the process of political integration within Europe.
In many cases, alliance promise military support if one member is threatened. A
formal commitment known as mutual security, that is, an attack on one member
country will be considered an attack on the entire alliance. It also discourages
nuclear proliferation among smaller countries.
Shifts in global power dynamics and competition among major powers, including
the People’s Republic of China (PRC), can have implications for NATO’s strategic
environment. Political instability within member countries can also affect NATO’s
ability to respond cohesively to emerging threats. Changes in leadership, shifts in
foreign policy priorities, or internal political conflicts may hinder the Alliance’s
ability to formulate and implement a unified strategy. In the same way, trust among
members is crucial for the functioning of NATO. Disputes over issues such as
intelligence sharing, military interventions, or diplomatic strategies can erode trust
and cooperation. Building consensus becomes more difficult when there is a lack
of confidence among member states.
Externally, NATO is dealing with a complex set of challenges, emphasized by the
2022 Strategic Concept: Russia’s aggressive actions, the global power competition
– China, terrorism, regional conflict, cyber threats, hybrid warfare, emerging and
disruptive technologies, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, maritime
security challenges, migration, climate change and global health emergencies.
World Trade Organization (WTO) It was created in 1995, the overall objective
of the WTO is to help its members use trade as a means to raise living standards,
create jobs and improves people's lives. The WTO operates the global system of
trade rules, helps developing economies build their trade capacity and seeks to
create a more inclusive trading system.
Global rules of trade provide assurance and stability. Consumers and producers
know they can enjoy secure supplies and greater choice of the finished products,
components, raw materials and services they use. Producers and exporters know
foreign markets will remain open to them.
This leads to a more prosperous, peaceful and accountable economic world.
Decisions in the WTO are typically taken by consensus among all members and
they are ratified by members’ parliaments. Trade frictions are channeled into the
WTO’s dispute settlement process, where the focus is on interpreting agreements
and commitments and how to ensure that members’ trade policies conform with
them. That way, the risk of disputes spilling over into political or military conflict
is reduced.
By lowering trade barriers through negotiations among member governments, the
WTO’s system also breaks down other barriers between peoples and trading
economies. At the heart of the system – known as the multilateral trading system –
are the WTO’s agreements, negotiated and signed by a large majority of the
world’s trading economies, and ratified in their parliaments. These agreements are
the legal foundations for global trade. Essentially, they are contracts, guaranteeing
WTO members' important trade rights. They also bind governments to keep their
trade policies transparent and predictable which is to everybody’s benefit.
The agreements provide a stable and transparent framework to help producers of
goods and services, exporters and importers conduct their business. The goal is to
improve the welfare of the peoples of the WTO’s members.
European Union: founded in 1992, has its origins in post–World War II attempts
to integrate European economies and prevent future conflicts. It consists of seven
major institutions and dozens of smaller bodies that make law, coordinate foreign
affairs and trade, and manage a common budget. Europe the place of origin of both
world wars took a decision to pool their sovereignty within a regional body, one
that would bind countries in a political and economic union, As at 2020 , the EU
have 27 members counties and works to ensures workers, goods, capital and
services can move freely within its borders.
 The EU is the largest trade bloc in the world. It is the world's biggest exporter of
manufactured goods and services, and the biggest import market for over 100
countries. Free trade among its members was one of the EU's founding principles
The aims of the European Union within its borders are: promote peace, its values
and the well-being of its citizens. offer freedom, security and justice without
internal borders, while also taking appropriate measures at its external borders to
regulate asylum and immigration and prevent and combat crime.
International Criminal Court
The International Criminal Court founded in 2002, is not a substitute for national
courts. According to the Rome Statute, it is the duty of every State to exercise its
criminal jurisdiction over those responsible for international crimes. The
International Criminal Court can only intervene where a State is unable or
unwilling to genuinely carry out the investigation and prosecute the perpetrators.
The primary mission of the International Criminal Court is to help put an end to
impunity for the perpetrators of the most serious crimes of concern to the
international community as a whole, and thus to contribute to the prevention of
such crimes. Its purpose is to investigate and prosecute war criminals.
Crimes within the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court
 War crimes
War crimes include torture, mutilation, corporal punishment, hostage taking and
acts of terrorism. This category also covers violations of human dignity such as
rape and forced prostitution, looting and execution without trial. War crimes,
unlike crimes against humanity, are always committed in times of war.
 Genocide
This includes all acts committed with the intent to destroy a national, ethnic or
religious group.
 Crimes against humanity
Crimes against humanity are acts committed as part of a widespread or systematic
attack directed against any civilian population, such as murder, deportation, torture
and rape. The ICC prosecutes the perpetrators even if the crimes were not
committed in times of war.
What are the biggest threats to global security?
Leading International Security Threats
 Climate Change.
 Artificial Intelligence.
 Hunger and Malnutrition.
 Transnational Organized Crime.
 Failed and Fragile States.
 Terrorism
 Conflict and war
 Human Trafficking
 Proliferation of Weapon.
Classical and Contemporary Security Theory
Walter Lippmann (1944) views security as the capability of a country to protect
its core values, both in terms that a state need not sacrifice core values in avoiding
war and can maintain them by winning war. David Baldwin (1997) argues that
pursuing security sometimes requires sacrificing other values, including marginal
values and prime values. Richard Ullman (1983) has suggested that a decrease in
vulnerability is security.
Arnold Wolfers (1952) argues that "security" is generally a normative term. It is
applied by nations "in order to be either expedient—a rational means toward an
accepted end—or moral, the best or least evil course of action". In the same way
that people are different in sensing and identifying danger and threats, Wolfers
argues that different nations also have different expectations of security. Not only
is there a difference between forbearance of threats, but different nations also face
different levels of threats because of their unique geographical, economic,
ecological, and political environment.
Theories and perspectives such as idealism, realism, neoliberalism and
constructivism have viewed the meaning of security differently. The traditional
view of security before and during the Cold War, which focuses on state protection
from threats to national interests, has been expanded in scope since the end of the
Cold War. Discourse on security now includes such issues as economic security,
environmental security, food security and human security among others. Also,
various schools of thought have emerged to explain security differently from the
traditional conception. Notably, the Wales School, Paris School and the
Copenhagen School are worthy of mention here. Despite the existence of various
notions explaining what security is and how best to guaranty the security of states
and individuals, the world is still characterized by insecurity.
Realism Theory
Realism is a major theoretical approach to international relations that emphasize
the role of power, security, and self -interest in shaping state behaviour. It assumes
that the international system is anarchic, meaning there is no central authority to
enforce laws or maintain order, it sees the states as the primary actors in ensuring
security and assume that the state must rely on themselves for security rather than
relying on others or international institution. More importantly, emphasis the
importance of power in international relations, with states constantly seeking to
increase their power and security. There are several theorist like Thomas Hobbes
1651, Kenneth Waltz and others.
Traditional Approach to security focuses mainly or even exclusively, on military
concerns (Bajpai, 2000). It is a realist concept of security based on the ideas of
Hobbes that places the state as the referent object of security. Since the time of
Thomas Hobbes, security has been embedded in the theory and practice of modern
statehood. Without the state, the lives of the people will be solitary, brutish, nasty
and short. As a result, the safety of the people became the business of the
Leviathan, which is also called the common good or the state. Consequently, the
citizens and the state had to come together to sign a social contract. The contract
implied that the state should provide security and the citizens consented to its
authority (Luckam, 2007). In addition, the only way to peace is for men to give up
their natural rights, and a supreme power (state) is instituted. The state now serves
as the protector and provider of security (Appadorai,2004).
Moreover, the realists also see the state as sovereign and the only one with the
monopoly of legitimate force. As such, the state is the only legal entity entrusted
with the power to resolve conflicts within itself, between itself and other state and
between other international actors. They assume that the state relates with other
states in order to protect its national interest, and security interest tops the list of
other interests. For them, military and related issues dominate world politics.
Neo-realism thinkers, such as Kenneth Waltz, see the state as the key actor when it
comes to security, and, due to the anarchic nature of the international system, states
will pursue some sort of offensive military capability so as to defend themselves
(Clempson, 2011). Neo-realists see power as being crucial to security, and argue
that this power should primarily be in the form of a strong military. This means
that security is best achieved by having a strong military and preparing for
war, whether it comes or not (Clempson, 2011).
Grizold, (1994) identifies five features of national security. These are: ensuring the
existence of the state as a political community and the physical survival of its
population; protection of territorial integrity; maintenance of political
independence; ensuring equality of lives; and embedding the vital interest of the
state in the national security policy. These features show that security is the
responsibility of the state. Traditionally, state sovereignty and legitimacy depend
on the level of independence of that state and its ability to govern its territory
without external interference. Another important aspect of the traditional
conception of the security is the support the government gets from the citizens
(Newman, 2010).
Realism makes several key assumptions. It assumes that nation-states are unitary,
geographically based actors in an anarchic international system with no authority
above capable of regulating interactions between states as no true
authoritative world government exists. Secondly, it assumes that sovereign states,
rather than intergovernmental organizations, non-governmental organizations,
or multinational corporations, are the primary actors in international affairs. Thus,
states, as the highest order, are in competition with one another. As such, a state
acts as a rational autonomous actor in pursuit of its own self-interest with a
primary goal to maintain and ensure its own security—and thus its sovereignty and
survival. Realism holds that in pursuit of their interests, states will attempt to
amass resources, and that relations between states are determined by their relative
levels of power. That level of power is in turn determined by the state's military,
economic, and political capabilities.
Criticism
Traditional security has been criticized on its narrow-minded view of security,
focusing on the state and justifying wars and the use of dangerous weapons of
mass destruction, while ignoring the individuals. Misra (1976), further criticize this
conception as a narrow conception of security.
To him, the narrow conception of the security as exclusively military affairs was
the major factor that promoted wars and armed conflicts. This placed the security
of the large parts of the world in jeopardy.
It often ignores the role of international institutions, such as United Nations in
promoting cooperation and reducing conflict. Also it ignore the role of non- state
actors such as terrorist organization in international relations.
Liberalism (Idealism) Theory
Liberalism also known as idealism, is a theoretical approach to international
relations that emphasizes the importance of cooperation, institutions and law in
promoting peace and security. Liberalism assume that humans are rational and
peaceful, and that they can work together to achieve common goals and believes
that international system is not inherently anarchic, but rather can be managed
through cooperation and institutions. The theory was propounded by several
theorist like Immanuel Kant 1795, Woodrow Wilson and Josph Nye 1990.
The precursor to liberal international relations theory was "idealism". In
international relations, liberalism is association with Woodrow Wilson who holds
that a state should make its internal political philosophy the goal of its foreign
policy. For example, an idealist might believe that ending poverty at home should
be coupled with tackling poverty abroad. Wilson's idealism was a precursor to
liberal international relations theory,
Unlike realism, where the state is seen as a unitary actor, liberalism allows for
plurality in state actions. Thus, preferences will vary from state to state, depending
on factors such as culture, economic system or government type. Liberalism also
holds that interaction between states is not limited to the political/security ("high
politics"), but also economic/cultural ("low politics") whether through commercial
firms, organizations or individuals. Thus, instead of an anarchic international
system, there are plenty of opportunities for cooperation and broader notions of
power, such as cultural capital (for example, the influence of films leading to the
popularity of the country's culture and creating a market for its exports worldwide).
Another assumption is that absolute gains can be made through co-operation
and interdependence—thus peace can be achieved
Criticism
Liberalism does not adequately address the security concerns that arise from the
anarchic nature of the international system. It often downplays the role of military
power in ensuring national security, and assume international institutions can solve
all problems and resolve conflict and maintain peace. More importantly, it is often
critized for being rooted in Western values and assumptions, which may not be
applicable to other cultures. And it neglects the impact of non-state actors such as
terrorist organization but focuses solely on state-state relations.

Social Constructionist Theory

It is a theoretical approach in International Relation that emphasize the role of
ideas, norms and identities in shaping world security. It argues that the
international system is shaped by social interactions, norms and values. Its key
theorist are Peter Katzenstein, Alexander Wendt and Martha Finnemore.
Social Constructivists see security as an outcome of a process of social and
political interaction where social values and norms, collective identities and
cultural traditions are essential. To them, security is ‘what actors make of it’.
(Wendt, 1992; in Brauch, 2011). From this approach, security is achieved once the
perception and fears of security ‘threats challenges, vulnerability and risks are
dispelled and defeated (Brauced, 2011).
The key element of constructivism is the belief that "International politics is
shaped by persuasive ideas, collective values, culture, and social identities."
Constructivism argues that international reality is socially constructed by cognitive
structures, which give meaning to the material world. Constructivist theory
criticizes the static assumptions of traditional international relations theory and
emphasizes that international relations is a social construction. Whereas realism
deals mainly with security and material power, and liberalism looks primarily at
economic interdependence and domestic-level factors, constructivism concerns
itself primarily with the role of ideas in shaping the international system; indeed it
is possible that there is some overlap between constructivism and realism or
liberalism, but they remain separate schools of thought. By "ideas" constructivists
refer to the goals, threats, fears, identities, and other elements of perceived reality
that influence states and non-state actors within the international system.
Constructivists believe that these ideational factors can often have far-reaching
effects, and that they can trump materialistic power concerns.
Criticism
It can be too focused on ideas and norms, neglecting the role of material factors
and power in shaping international relations. It equally neglects the role of
institutions and cooperation in shaping international relations.

Rational Approach or Contemporary Theory

Contemporary or Rational theories in security studies have evolved to address the
complex and dynamic nature of modern security, The Rational Approach takes into
consideration the changing character of the world and of security threats, thus
organizing the field of security studies by sorting threats into sectors on the basis
of their character, and also demonstrates the degree to which threats from a
particular sector exists at a particular level, both of analysis and danger (Malec,
2003).
Critical Security Studies (CSS)
Critical security studies (CSS) is an academic discipline within security
studies which draws on critical theory to revise and, at times, reject the narrow
focus of mainstream approaches to security. critical security studies encompasses
a wide range of theories including but not limited to: feminist, neo-
Gramscian, Marxist, post-structuralist, postcolonial, and queer theory.
Additionally, critical security studies, draws from a number of related disciplines
such as sociology, anthropology, and criminology to find alternative routes to
approach questions of security. It a social theory oriented toward critiquing and
changing society as a whole, in contrast to traditional theory oriented only toward
understanding or explaining it. Wanting to distinguish critical theory as a radical,
emancipatory form of Marxist philosophy, Critical international relations theory is
a diverse set of schools of thought in international relations (IR) that have
criticized the theoretical, meta-theoretical and/or political status quo, both in
International Relation theory and in international politics more broadly –
from positivist as well as postpositivist positions. Positivist critiques
include Marxist and neo-Marxist approaches and certain ("conventional") strands
of social constructivism.
Defining critical security studies can be difficult due to the wide range of theories
involved, meaning that any single definition is likely to exclude works and scholars
who would list themselves, or be listed by most scholars as part of the
subfield. Due to this, most definitions of critical security studies focus on listing
shared components rather than create a single definition. Browning and McDonald
argue that critical security studies entails three main components: the first is a
rejection of conventional (particularly realist) approaches to security, rejecting or
critiquing the theories, epistemology, and implications of realism, such as the total
focus on the role of the state when approaching questions of security. The second
is that of critically examining the meaning of security and the politics surrounding
it, in particular the "function of representations or discourses of security in defining
group identity, enabling particular policy or legitimating particular actors as
security providers." One such example of this is that of the Copenhagen
School and their theory of securitization. The third component, is that of critically
examining the ethics and approaches inherent to the study of security. More recent
topics of concern include environmental, and planetary, health, ontological, border
or everyday security. it argues that social problems stem more from social
structures and cultural assumptions than from individuals. Critical Theory is one of
the major components of both modern and postmodern thought, and is widely
applied in the humanities and social sciences today.
Feminist Security Theory
Feminist IR emerged largely from the late 1980s onwards. The end of the Cold
War and the re-evaluation of traditional IR theory during the 1990s opened up a
space for gendering International Relations. Because feminist IR is linked broadly
to the critical project in IR, by and large, most feminist scholarship has sought to
problematize the politics of knowledge construction within the discipline - often by
adopting methodologies of deconstructivism associated with postmodernism/
poststructuralism. However, the growing influence of feminist and women-centric
approaches within the international policy communities (for example, at the World
Bank and the United Nations) is more reflective of the liberal feminist emphasis on
equality of opportunity for women.
In regards to feminism in International Relations, some of the founding feminist IR
scholars refer to using a "feminist consciousness" when looking at gender issues in
politics. In Cynthia Enloe's article “Gender is not enough: the need for a feminist
consciousness”, Enloe explains how International Relations needs to include
masculinity in the discussion on war, while also giving attention to the issues
surrounding women and girls. In order to do so, Enloe urges International
Relations scholars to look at issues with a ‘feminist consciousness’, which will
ultimately include a perspective sensitive to masculinities and femininities. In this
way, the feminist consciousness, together with a gendered lens, allows for IR
academics to discuss International Politics with a deeper appreciation and
understanding of issues pertaining to gender around the world.
Enloe argues how the IR discipline continues to lack serious analysis of the
experiences, actions, and ideas of girls and women in the international arena and
how this ultimately excludes them from the discussion in IR. For instance, Enloe
explains Carol Cohn's experience using a feminist consciousness while
participating in the drafting of a document that outlines the actions taken in
negotiating ceasefires, peace agreements, and new constitutions. During this event,
those involved came up with the word “combatant” to describe those in need
during these usually high-strung negotiations. The use of ‘combatant’ in this
context is particularly problematic as Carol points out because it implies one type
of militarized people, generally men carrying guns, and excludes the women and
girls deployed as porters, cooks, and forced ‘wives’ of male combatants. This term
effectively renders the needs of these women invisible and excludes them from the
particularly critical IR conversation regarding who needs what in war and
peace. This discussion is crucial for the analysis of how various masculinities are
at play in International Politics and how those masculinities affect women and girls
during wartime and peace and initially eliminates them from the discussion.
Conversely, feminist IR scholar Charlotte Hooper effectively applies a feminist
consciousness when considering how “IR disciplines men as much as men shape
IR”. So, instead of focusing on what and whom IR excludes from the conversation,
Hooper focuses on how masculine identities are perpetuated and ultimately are the
products of the practice of IR. In this way, it is ineffective to use a gendered lens
and feminist consciousness to analyze the exclusion of a discussion in gender in
IR. Hooper suggests that a deeper examination of the ontological and
epistemological ways in which IR has been inherently a masculine discipline is
needed. The innate masculinity of IR is because men compose the vast majority of
modern IR scholars, and their masculine identities have been socially constructed
over time through various political progressions.
Human Security Approach is a relatively new field of thought that arose to
challenge the traditional approach to security, saying that the state-centric view of
realism ignored the people or individuals, who were the most affected by wars. It
prioritizes the security and well-being of individuals and communities over state
security. It emphasizes the importance of addressing non-traditional security threat
such as poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation. The Commission for
Human Security (CHS) defines human security as ‘…protecting fundamental
freedoms – freedoms that are the essence of life. It means protecting people from
critical and pervasive threats and situations. It means using processes that build on
people’s strengths and aspirations. It means creating political, social,
environmental, economic, military and cultural systems that together give people
the building blocks of survival, livelihood and dignity’ (UN, 2009). Thus, human
security takes the individual as primary referent, as opposed to traditional relist
security, which places the state as the primary referent, and concentrates on how to
best protect them. Emphasis is put on bringing about the well-being of individuals
and responding to the people's needs in dealing with sources of threats.
Furthermore, human security studies aim to not only find means to protect the
nation from external aggression, but also to safeguard it from a range of menaces,
such as environmental pollution, disease, poverty, et cetera. Human security, thus,
covers many aspects of security, such as food security and so on.
Human security is an emerging school of thought that does not have one definition,
just as the concept of security itself. It differentiates itself from ‘a narrow term of
prevention of violence to a broad comprehensive view that proposes development,
human rights, and traditional security together’ (Tadjbakhsh and Chenoy, 2007).
Critics of this concept claim that it is misleading and too broad, covering virtually
everything and rendering the concept of security useless as a focus of research.
Criticism
Others have criticized it for challenging the role of the state and its sovereignty
(Tadjbakhsh and Chenoy, 2007). Advocates of the human security paradigm
argue that the individual is the proper referent for security, and state practices
should reflect this, rather than focus on military strength (Tadjbakhsh and Chenoy,
2007). They say that the traditional approach to security is no longer relevant in
this highly globalized era, where threats like climate change, terrorism and poverty
surpass interstate attacks and warfare. However, that state cannot maintain its
security without ensuring the security of its citizens: without traditional security
there can beno human security (Tadjbakhsh and Chenoy, 2007).
Securitization Theory
It implies that national security policy is not naturally given but carefully
designated by politicians and decision makers. According to this securitization
theory, political issues are constituted as extreme security issues to be dealt with
urgently when they have been labeled as dangerous, threating or alarming.
Securitizing actor who has the social and institutional power to make the issue
beyond politics.
Securitization theory challenges traditional approaches to security in International
Relation and assert that issues are not essentially threating in themselves rather it is
by referring to them as security issues that they become security problems.
Securitization theorists assert that successfully securitized subjects receive
disproportionate amounts of attention and resources compared to unsuccessfully
securitized subjects causing more human damage. A common example used by
theorists is how terrorism is a top priority in security discussions, even though
people are much more likely to be killed by automobiles or preventable diseases
than from terrorism. Securitization studies aim to understand "who securitizes
(securitizing actor), on what issues (threats), for whom (referent object), why, with
what results, and not least, under what conditions. Moreover, the securitization act,
to be successful, must be accepted by the audience, regardless of the subject matter
being a real threat.
An issue become securitized when an audience collectively support taking
extraordinary measures e.g. Islamic state group (ISIS) became a high priority on
security agender from 2015 when they have constant attack on European cities,
states, individual in western Europe and a threat to western way of life.it means
that securitization of the Islamic group affect at least three sector, social, state or
military and political. The securitization actors are politician, police, intelligence
services, customs, immigration boarder guard and the military all play an important
role in defining the security landscape, the actors take security threats objectively
and seek to solve them by undertaking various missions.
Apart from securitization actors, we have functional actors who help frame
storyline about the issue e.g. media, academia, nongovernmental agencies and
think tank.
Noticeable example of securitizing move is more evident in France, after the Paris
attack on 13 November, 2015. President Francois Hollande decided that France is
at war against army of Jihadist that has attacked France because France is a
country of liberty, he claimed that Islamic state group is an organization that
threaten the world band that this is the reason why destruction of Daesh is a
necessity for the international Community immediate border control and state of
emergency was commanded.
Challenges or Factors Affecting World Security
The following list are some of the biggest threats to international security we face
on a global scale. However, this is not all the threats – there are many more that not
only government leaders need to work on and find solutions, but all of us as global
citizens.
Terrorism: Global terrorism is an unfortunate reality of modern times. These
indiscriminate and targeted acts can come from a range of terrorist organisations,
small groups or individuals. These attacks can affect any person, establishment or
business at any time and target any location in the world.
Climate change: Extreme weather is becoming increasingly common as the world
gets warmer. Recurrent droughts in Africa; floods in Asia and Latin America; and
violent wind and fire storms affecting even rich countries are destroying homes
and livelihoods and creating new vicious cycles of poverty. Rising sea levels,
changing seasons and the threat of new disease outbreaks are affecting rural
and urban communities and increasing tensions as water supplies dwindle, food
prices rise, and people leave their homes to seek safety elsewhere.
Conflict and war: There are now more active conflicts than at any time since
1945. Civil and internal conflicts, insurgencies and political chaos in places such
as Yemen, South Sudan, Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of Congo,
Afghanistan, Venezuela and Myanmar are causing massive displacement of
people. Globally, there are now more than 82 million people living in refugee and
displacement camps or far from home, creating tensions between host
communities, forcing families to make dangerous journeys and exposing
vulnerable people, especially women and children, to trafficking gangs and
exploitation.
Hunger and malnutrition: The threat of hunger now faces 45 million people in
43 countries around the world, according to World Vision. Millions of people are
living on the brink of starvation and urgently need food to survive. The challenge
of overcoming hunger by 2030, one of the development goals set by the United
Nations, is seriously misplaced due to several issues, including conflict, COVID-
19 and climate change.
Artificial intelligence: This year has seen a rapid rise in the use of artificial
intelligence. Already it is having an impact in almost every sector and while it has
its positives in many processes much more efficient, there are also numerous
concerns about it. Some of these concerns include the increased likelihood of
cyber-attacks on organisations, the misuse of AI to develop more sophisticated
weapons, and indeed its use in spreading false information of all sorts.
Factors such as war, mass migration, the changing geopolitical leadership or
change in government, resource scarcity, and weaponization of inequality of
identity.
Why Global Security in Crisis
Economic security is crucial to global security, as economic instability can
significantly impact the world's political and social stability. Political security is
another vital component of global security, including issues such as state
sovereignty, human rights, democracy, and good governance.
The modern world faces an unprecedented convergence of international security
threats and instability. This coupled with the rise in national and international
crime rates and crime organisations, that increasingly cross-national borders in a
legal and illegal migratory way, can pose an incalculable threat to the international
community, in an increasingly globalized world.
High-intensity conflict and instability span the globe and the spectrum of
instability includes regions and states that are not necessarily in overt conflict, but
that are institutionally and economically fragile and vulnerable to shocks.
The range of threats among them includes regional coercion and interference,
transnational terrorism, health insecurity, use of chemical and other unconventional
weapons, substantial displacement of peoples and populations, and overwhelming
humanitarian crises creating a complex operating environment.
 Traditional methods of response have proven increasingly ineffective against
modern global conflict and instability crises, with the combination of threats and
instability presenting unique challenges for governments and policymakers.
Criminal experts, police, law enforcement officials and agencies around the world
have reported a significant increase in the range and scope of international criminal
activity over the past three decades.
The level and severity of this activity and the accompanying growth in the power
and influence of international criminal organisations have posed a considerable
threat to the international community and has raised concerns among global
organisations, business and governments around the world.
This is particularly felt in Western democracies, concerning the threat criminals
pose to governability and stability in many countries and particularly to the global
economy.
International criminal networks have taken advantage of the opportunities
resulting from the changes in the modern world of politics, business, technology,
and communications, which has rapidly increased the scope, adaptable speed and
threat of international crime to individuals and governments alike.
The International community has thus become increasingly reliant on modernized
professional security organisations to manage risk and provide analysis and
security solutions to meet security objectives when faced with complex global
threats and regional instability around the globe.