SECURITY IN THE CONTEMPORARY WORLD
1.State-Centric: Historically, the predominant view of security has been state-centric. This perspective emphasises the protection of national borders, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. The primary focus is on warding off external military threats, amassing arms, maintaining a formidable military force, and forming strategic alliances.
2.Physical Security: This is closely tied to the defence of territorial boundaries and integrity. In this context, a nation is considered secure when its borders are well-guarded and free from external military aggression.
3.Core Values: When viewing security from a state’s perspective, the ‘core values’ that are often emphasised include territorial sovereignty, political power, and the preservation of the existing socio-political order.
1.Human Security: In contemporary discussions around security, there is a growing emphasis on the safety of individuals, not just states. This perspective is termed ‘human security’. It encompasses an individual’s health, economic welfare, environmental conditions, and more.
2.Multi-Dimensional Threats: In this expanded view of security, threats are diverse and not just military in nature. They can range from economic downturns, health pandemics, and environmental challenges to cyber threats and more. Each of these has the potential to destabilise a nation and negatively impact the well-being of its citizens.
3.Diverse Core Values: In this broader understanding of security, ‘core values’ can include a range of aspects such as personal freedom, economic stability, health, environmental sustainability, and cultural preservation.