Chapter 5 Security in the Contemporary World

Introduction

Security in the contemporary world has expanded beyond traditional military threats to include economic, environmental, and human security concerns. This chapter examines various dimensions of security and approaches to achieve it.

1. Traditional Notions of Security

Features:

Focuses on military threats to territorial integrity
State-centric approach
Emphasis on deterrence and defense
Balance of power as security mechanism

Elements:

Deterrence: Preventing war by building capacity to retaliate
Defense: Limiting damage when attack occurs
Balance of Power: Preventing any one state from dominating
Alliance Building: Collective security through partnerships

2. Non-Traditional Security

Concept:

Includes threats beyond military dimensions
Focus on human security rather than just state security
Recognizes interdependence of nations

Major Non-Traditional Security Threats:

Threat	Explanation	Examples
Poverty	Widespread economic deprivation that undermines social stability and development	Food insecurity, lack of basic amenities, income inequality
Migration	Large-scale population movements causing social tensions and resource pressures	Refugee crises, border disputes, human trafficking
Terrorism	Violence against civilians for political/ideological goals creating fear and instability	9/11 attacks, Mumbai 26/11, ISIS activities
Epidemics	Health crises that threaten populations and overwhelm systems	COVID-19 pandemic, Ebola outbreaks, HIV/AIDS
Human Rights Violations	Systematic abuse of basic rights that destabilizes societies	Genocides, ethnic cleansing, gender violence

Non-Traditional Threats

Key Characteristics:

These threats often transcend national borders
Require cooperative international responses
Impact both state security and individual well-being
Often interconnected (e.g., poverty leading to migration)

3. Cooperative Security

Concept:

Security achieved through cooperation rather than confrontation
Emphasizes mutual interests and shared values
Includes confidence-building measures

Examples:

Arms control agreements (START, NPT)
Regional security organizations (ASEAN Regional Forum)
Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) between India-Pakistan

Case Study: India-Pakistan CBMs

Hotline between military commanders
Advance notice of military exercises
Agreement on prohibition of chemical weapons
Nuclear confidence-building measures

4. India's Security Strategy

Components:

Military Modernization: Strengthening defense capabilities
Diplomatic Engagement: Building international partnerships
Internal Security: Addressing separatist movements
Economic Development: Reducing poverty and inequality

India's security strategy

Challenges:

Border disputes with China and Pakistan
Terrorism and cross-border infiltration
Internal conflicts in Northeast and Kashmir
Cybersecurity threats

5. Contemporary Security Issues

Terrorism:

Non-state actors using violence for political goals
Examples: 9/11 attacks, 26/11 Mumbai attacks
Requires international cooperation to combat

Nuclear Proliferation:

Spread of nuclear weapons technology
Concerns about North Korea, Iran
Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) regime

Climate Change:

Rising sea levels threaten coastal nations
Resource scarcity leading to conflicts
Climate refugees and migration pressures

6. Approaches to Security

Approach	Focus	Methods
Traditional	State security	Military power, alliances
Human Security(non-traditional)	Individual well-being	Development, rights protection

Key Terms

Human Security: Protection of individuals from threats to life and dignity
Deterrence: Preventing attack through threat of retaliation
Arms Control: Limiting development/acquisition of weapons
Confidence Building Measures (CBMs): Steps to reduce tensions between rivals
Non-Traditional Security: Security threats beyond military dimensions

7. Important Questions

Differentiate between traditional and non-traditional notions of security.
Explain India's security strategy with suitable examples.
What are Confidence Building Measures? How have they helped in India-Pakistan relations?
Analyze terrorism as a threat to contemporary security.
How has the concept of security evolved in the 21st century?