Initiatives That Qatar Might Pursue to Reduce National Security Risks - Essay Example

Risks to National Security National security is critical to the welfare of any given With increased competition for energy and food resources, food insecurity affects national security in diverse and dynamic ways. In particular, Qatar and other GCC countries face numerous risks to national security as far as food and energy insecurity is concerned. In the next thirty years, the global population will increase significantly if the current statistics are anything to go by. This will result in high demand for both food and energy.

High food and energy demands will push some countries to critical national security risks. Massive reliance on imports poses the risk of a biological or chemical attack or even intentional food contamination by international suppliers1. There is, therefore, a critical concern to national security when a country relies heavily on international supplies. Another key risk relates to price factors in both food and energy. Economic and political disturbances around the world spread shockwaves to the affected states.

In such an event, Qatar and other GCC members would be on the receiving end. The influence of global states when it comes to prices could cripple domestic operations designed to enhance national security. In other words, food security that primarily depends on international trade comes with price-based risks2. Finally, the risk of terrorism will heighten as competition for food and energy increases. To reduce these risks, Qatar will need to secure its imports from around the world, as well as enhance food security at the domestic level3.

Most importantly, initiatives to dismantle extremist groups and terrorists will play a fundamental role in reducing threats to national security.