Introduction: What is Security?

• Security refers to the protection of a country, its people, and its resources from threats.
• In the past, security focused mainly on military threats (wars, invasions).

Why is Security Important?

• Protects national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
• Ensures economic and political stability.
• Safeguards human rights and well-being.
• Prevents conflicts and promotes peace.

Traditional Security: Military and Political Security

What is Traditional Security?

• Traditional security focuses on military threats and war prevention.
• The main aim is to defend a country from external attacks.

Components of Traditional Security

• Military Defense – Armed forces, nuclear weapons, strategic alliances.
• Alliances and Treaties – NATO, Warsaw Pact (during the Cold War).
• Deterrence Strategy – Threatening retaliation to prevent war (e.g., nuclear deterrence).
• Arms Control and Disarmament – Reducing the number of weapons (e.g., START treaty).

Limitations of Traditional Security

• Wars and conflicts still occur (e.g., Russia-Ukraine War, Israel-Palestine conflict).
• Non-state actors (terrorist groups) pose new threats.
• Focus on military spending reduces resources for development.

Non-Traditional Security Threats

What is Non-Traditional Security?

• Non-traditional security threats are challenges that are not caused by military forces but still threaten national and global stability.
• These include terrorism, cyber threats, pandemics, climate change, economic crises, and human rights violations.

Types of Non-Traditional Security Threats

• Terrorism
  • Use of violence by non-state actors to spread fear and achieve political or religious goals.
  • Example: 9/11 attacks (USA, 2001), 26/11 Mumbai attacks (India, 2008).
  • Counter-Terrorism Efforts: UN, NATO, and INTERPOL track and eliminate terrorist networks.
• Cybersecurity Threats
  • Cyberattacks on governments, businesses, and individuals.
  • Example: Data breaches, hacking of election systems, cyber warfare between nations.
  • Response: Countries develop cybersecurity agencies (e.g., India’s CERT-In).
• Economic Security
  • Financial crises and trade wars can weaken national security.
  • Example: 2008 Global Financial Crisis impacted world economies.
  • Response: Institutions like the World Bank and IMF help stabilize economies.
• Health and Pandemic Threats
  • Global pandemics threaten human security and economic stability.
  • Example: COVID-19 pandemic (2020-21) caused worldwide disruptions.
  • Response: WHO coordinates international efforts to control diseases.
• Climate Change and Environmental Security
  • Rising temperatures, natural disasters, and water scarcity create instability.
  • Example: Climate refugees in low-lying countries (e.g., Maldives, Bangladesh).
  • Response: Paris Climate Agreement, UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Human Rights and Refugee Crisis
  • Wars, poverty, and persecution force people to flee their homes.
  • Example: Rohingya refugee crisis, Syrian refugee crisis.
  • Response: UNHCR provides aid and resettlement programs.

Approaches to Security: Cooperation vs. Balance of Power

Cooperative Security (Collective Action for Peace)

• Countries work together to resolve conflicts peacefully.
• Example: UN peacekeeping missions, international arms control treaties.

Balance of Power (Traditional Realist Approach)

• Countries maintain military strength to prevent war.
• Example: Cold War rivalry between the USA and USSR.

Global Security Institutions and Their Role

United Nations (UN) and Security Council (UNSC)

• Maintains global peace through diplomacy and peacekeeping missions.
• Example: UN peacekeeping in Congo, Lebanon, and Sudan.
• Criticism: UNSC permanent members (P5) dominate decision-making.

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)

• A military alliance of 31 countries led by the USA.
• Example: NATO’s role in Afghanistan after 9/11 attacks.

Interpol (International Criminal Police Organization)

• Tracks global criminals and terrorist networks.
• Example: Helped arrest wanted terrorists like Osama bin Laden.

World Health Organization (WHO)

• Monitors and prevents global health crises.
• Example: Led the fight against COVID-19 and polio.

India’s Approach to Security

India’s National Security Strategy

• Strong military defense (Army, Navy, Air Force, Nuclear Deterrence).
• Terrorism control measures (e.g., NIA, Anti-Terror Laws).
• Cybersecurity (Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre).

India’s Role in Global Security

• Contributes to UN Peacekeeping Missions.
• Active in counter-terrorism efforts with the USA, Russia, and Israel.
• Supports environmental initiatives like the International Solar Alliance (ISA).

Future Challenges in Global Security

Key Security Challenges

• Rise of Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Warfare.
• Increasing nuclear proliferation in unstable regions (e.g., North Korea, Iran).
• Climate change and resource scarcity leading to conflicts.
• Ethnic and religious tensions causing internal security threats.

Solutions to Global Security Challenges

• Strengthening international cooperation through the UN and regional organizations.
• Using technology to improve cybersecurity and disaster response.
• Balancing military strength with diplomatic efforts for peace.
• Promoting sustainable development to address economic and environmental issues.

Conclusion

• Security today is more than just military defense—it includes economic, environmental, and human security.
• Traditional security (wars, military alliances) is still important but not enough.
• Non-traditional threats (terrorism, cyberattacks, pandemics, climate change) require global cooperation.
• International organizations like the UN, NATO, and WHO play a crucial role.
• India is actively involved in global security efforts while strengthening its own national security.
• The future of security depends on diplomacy, technology, and sustainable policies.