Chapter 5: Security in the Contemporary World

Summary (English)

1. Meaning of Security
   – Security means freedom from threats to sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, or human survival.
   – Security threats are those that can damage values beyond repair.
   – Two main conceptions: Traditional and Non-traditional.

   2. Traditional Notions of Security
   a) External: Main threat is military danger from other states. Threatens sovereignty and independence.
   – Strategies: Deterrence, Defence, Balance of Power, Alliances (e.g., NATO, Warsaw Pact).
   b) Internal: Concerns domestic peace and order. Newly independent states faced border disputes and separatism.
   c) Cooperation: Instruments include Disarmament, Arms Control (SALT, NPT, START), and Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs).

   3. Non-Traditional Notions of Security
   – Security referent expanded: not just states, but also people and humanity.
   – Human Security: Narrow view (violence) and Broad view (hunger, disease, poverty).
   – Global Security: Terrorism, climate change, epidemics, migration.
   – New Threats: Terrorism (9/11), Human Rights violations, Poverty, Refugees, Epidemics (HIV, COVID).

   4. Cooperative Security
   – Non-traditional threats need cooperation, not just force.
   – Cooperation may be bilateral, regional, or global.
   – Involves UN, WHO, IMF, NGOs, businesses, and individuals.
   – Use of force should be last resort, collectively sanctioned.

   5. India’s Security Strategy
   1. Strengthening military: Wars with Pakistan (1947, 1965, 1971, 1999) and China (1962); nuclear tests (1974, 1998).
   2. International cooperation: Support for UN, NAM, disarmament, Kyoto Protocol, peacekeeping.
   3. Internal unity: Democracy to accommodate diversity; handling separatism in Nagaland, Punjab, Kashmir.
   4. Economic development with equity: Poverty reduction and inclusive growth.

   6. Key Points
   – Traditional security: military and state-centred.
   – Non-traditional security: human and global-centred.
   – New threats: terrorism, epidemics, migration, poverty, environment.
   – Cooperative security and democracy are vital in today’s world.