Security

One of the greatest concerns of states, if not the greatest, is security, especially after Sept. 11th. The term "security" is often used by leaders and other people, but what does it actually mean? Security can be thought of as safety. To be safe means to be safe from something. To be safe walking down the street at night means to be safe from robbery or assault (Maslow’s level of needs).

Security in international relations means to be safe from threats to the state. Threats to national security. Traditionally, these threats come from other states, although after Sept 11 it is obvious that threat can come from organizations and individuals Al Qaeda and Osama Bin Laden as well. How about a threat of decease like SARS or the West Nile Virus?

Two questions are associated with security:

1. What factors threaten a state?

2. What must be done to be safe from threats to a state?

Threats to National Security

Actions in international relations are frequently taken to deal with “threats to national security” (Iraq?). While most people agree that threats should be dealt with, not everyone agrees with what constitutes a threat.

The traditional view of threats to national security are actions which will lead to, or enable an opponent invading and occupying a state and installing its own system of government. This type of threat could take several forms:

1. One’s opponent builds a larger and stronger army.

2. One’s opponent increases the number of allies it has.

3. One’s opponent develops a new weapons system which is dangerous and effective.

There are other definitions of security which go beyond invasion and military aggression. Some see threats to national security as actions or circumstances which restrict or affect the ability of the state to advance the interests of its people or the safety of its people. A partial list, by no means complete:

1. Environmental pollution leads to destruction of resources and a decline in living standards. Eg. Acid Rain.

2. The possession of weapons of mass destruction which could completely destroy a country. North Korea –

Iraq.

3. Famine, an increased birth rate or a decrease in birth rate. which threaten to impoverish a nation.

4. Large expenditures of money on weapons/military which drains resources away from more productive uses, threatening the economy.

5. Groups or individuals who for whatever reason hate you and want to hurt you!

6. Corrupt governments – and they are not friendly to yours.

7. Governments not allowing access to a particular resource – oil, passage (Panama canal)

This list could be extensive and confusing as to what constitutes a threat and where that threat is coming from. Is it coming from within your country or out of your country or both.

What is to be done?

Different ideas about what is a threat lead to different responses. For example:

1. Increase the size of the military and acquire nuclear weapons – USA.

2. Promote the idea of world government - Globalization or role of UN.

3. Seek out allies who will aid in your defense - NATO.

4. Reduce military expenditures and redirect resources to economic development - Canada.

5. Disarm completely – USSR under Gorbachev.

6. Seek to improve the conditions of those living in developing countries – Foreign Aid.

7. Expand contacts and relations with those living in other countries – Treaties and Embassies.

8. Begin negotiations with your enemy in order to reduce tensions – North Korea.

9. Go to war – Iraq!

10. Use a secret police to control domestic and foreign threats – FBI and CIA.

11. Place a ‘puppet’ leader that is friendly – Battista (Cuba), Shah of Iran, Pinochet (Chile).

12. Develop an national security program – The USA and Homeland Security – “Operation Liberty Shield”

The Homeland Security Advisory System is a means to disseminate information regarding the risk of terrorist acts to federal, state, and local authorities and to the American people.

• Low = Green

• Guarded = Blue

• Elevated = Yellow

• High = Orange

• Severe = Red

These measures reflect different ways to approach the notion of what constitutes a threat to national security.

The way a state (or an individual) chooses to deal with the question of security and threats to it also reflects an emphasis on competitive or cooperative solutions.

The End!