Transforming International Security - Essay Example

Introduction: The post-Cold War period has experienced remarkable transformation in the field of international security. In this period people’s idea regarding security and stability, and crime and resistance have undergone huge changes . Today the prevailing system of international security across the world is characterised by the American supremacy and unilateralism. The role of nuclear weapons as means of political blackmail has also increased by manifolds in the current international security system. Today’s international security system can also be characterized by conflict and preclusion, vital function of rapid technological progress in national security management, regional security problems; and development of non-state actors as a major source of national as well as international insecurity. The security systems of most of the countries around the world have no longer remained unaltered since the devastating terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 on the World Trade Center (WTC) and the Pentagon, which were considered to be Americas symbols of supremacy and pride. With every passing moments the world community is getting increasingly concerned at the threats from the non-state actors, particularly the terrorists, who have immense capabilities of carrying on international activities on a large scale. To combat the terrorists an international alliance against terrorism has emerged. This international alliance is the newest feature of the international security system, but it is not without complications. It has quite a few implications for the security systems, both at the regional and the international level. (Rogers, 2002; Tirman, 2004) International security system generally involves a lot uncertainty. This uncertainty can be characterized by conceptions of both confrontation and co-operation. Strategic security related policies of any country are influenced to a large extent by the nature of the international security system. Policy-makers of all countries make policies only after making an adequate assessment of the external threats, challenges and opportunities. The pattern treats, challenges, and opportunities use to change with time and environment, and hence the policy-making structures are needed to have the capacity to remain flexible and responsive to change. While challenges can be dealt with over a period of time, threats always necessitate instant addressing. Opportunities, on the other hand, for furthering national interests and affecting transformation of relations in international politics do not come frequently; therefore, they also require immediate attention of the policy-makers. If policy makers are competent enough to devise effective policies to deal with threats , challenges and opportunities, then a country can feel to be more secured. But poor planning exposes a country further to a number of threats instead of providing adequate security to all countrymen. (Wasi, 2003) The end of the Cold War has brought about several important consequences for the international security system, and hence a number of countries, developed as well as developing, are now confronting several international security related policy problems. Many of the strategic assumptions of the past have changed. The world also experienced the emergence of globalisation of economies after the end of the Cold War. Under an environment of globalization, new economic policies (NEP) became a consideration in redefining and reorienting foreign and security policies. The developed countries as well as the countries of the Third World started to use this economic factor for rebuilding bilateral strategic relations. This paper makes an effort to discuss the key threats to international securities, how this threats could be reduced- the major requirements for fighting the threats; to analyze whether absolute security can be obtained, what would be the effect of a poor security planning etc. (Rogers, 2002) International security – threats and strategies to combat those threats: The period of post Cold War is the period of globalization in which borders are increasingly opening up. As a result internal and external aspects of security have become linked significantly. In this period of globalization huge flows of trade and investment, the development of technology and the spread of democracy have brought freedom and prosperity to many people, especially to the people of developing nations. A number of people, however, perceive globalization as a major cause of frustration and injustice. Some times it is also argued that developments brought about by the process of integration of economies have augmented the scope for non-state groups to play an active part in international affairs. One major implication of globalization for any particular country is that the country is getting more and more influenced by events beyond its borders. Regional stability and economic progress in many important areas of the world is largely threatened by proscribed states and ethnic conflicts threaten. Weapons of mass destruction (WMD), terrorism, drug trafficking and organized crime are those global concerns that go beyond national borders. Other problems such as resource depletion, rapid population growth, environmental damage, new infectious diseases and uncontrolled refugee migration etc. also have imperative implications for security of any country. Workers and businesses of any country will suffer if foreign markets collapse, and the highest domestic environmental standards will also not be able to protect them if they fail to get others to achieve similar standards. In short, in this age of globalization the citizens of one country have a direct stake in the prosperity and stability of other nations, in their support for international norms and human rights, and of course in their ability to combat international crime. (Rogers, 2002; Gordon, 1995) Security is always considered to be an important prerequisite of development, and in this age of globalization the aspects of national and international securities have become more and more vital. Conflict not only destroys infrastructure, including social infrastructure; it also encourages criminality, deters investment and makes normal economic activity impossible. But the security environment in which people across the world are living is dynamic and uncertain. The prevailing security environment is stuffed with a host of threats and challenges that have the potential to grow more deadly, but it also offers extraordinary opportunities to avert those threats and advance our interests. Today the major threats that a country has to confront are more diverse, less visible and less predictable than before. The key threats include terrorism, proliferation of WMD, regional conflicts, state failure, organized crime etc. (Buzan, and Rizvi, 1986; Krahmann, 2005) Terrorism is one of the major threats to the security of countries. It places lives of innocent people at risk; it’s devastative power is so huge that it imposes large costs on society as well as government. Terrorism poses a great challenge to the openness and tolerance of societies. Terrorist movements are being increasingly well-resourced. Members of a terrorist group are connected through well managed electronic networks, and they want to use unlimited violence to cause massive casualties. The most recent wave of terrorism is global in nature and is closely linked to violent religious fanaticism. It arises out of several complex causes. Among these causes the important ones are the constant pressures of modernization, crises in cultural, social and political fields, and the disaffection of young people living in foreign societies. (Livingstone, 1998) Proliferation of WMD is in its ability the greatest threat to the security of countries . Although several international treaty and export control arrangements have slowed the spread of WMD and delivery systems, countries are entering a new and dangerous period in which WMD arms race is very likely to take place, especially in the Middle East. Huge progresses made in the biological sciences may potentially increase the power of biological weapons in the coming years. Attacks with chemical and radiological materials are also a grave possibility. The ever widening spread of missile technology adds a further element of instability in the context of security and could put the countries at increasing risk. The most terrifying development is one in which terrorist groups acquire weapons of mass destruction. In this event, a small group would be able to impose damage on a scale previously possible only for States and armies. (Krahmann, 2005) Regional Conflicts have also huge potential to pose great threat on an international level. For example , problems such as those in Kashmir, the Great Lakes Region and the Korean Peninsula are quite able to affect the interests of distant countries like America , and European countries either directly or indirectly. Violent conflicts that persist on the borders of a country also threaten regional stability. These type of conflicts take away human lives ; destroy social and physical infrastructures of countries ; threaten minorities, fundamental freedoms and human rights. Conflict can also results in extremism, terrorism and state failure. It also provides huge opportunities for organized crime. Therefore, the most practical way to tackle the often indefinable new threats will sometimes be to deal with the older problems of regional conflict. (Krahmann, 2005) State’s failure in providing a good governance also imposes threats to the security aspects. Corruption, abuse of power, weak institutions, lack of responsibility and civil conflict crumble States from within. Bad governance and civil conflicts in some cases, has brought about the collapse of State institutions. Somalia, Liberia and Afghanistan under the Taliban are the best known recent examples. Fall of the State institution can be closely linked with some obvious threats like organized crime or terrorism. State failure is considered to be a frightening phenomenon that undermines global governance, and adds to regional instability. (Krahmann, 2005) An internal threat to the security of a country is organized crime. This internal threat has an important external dimension. Cross-border trafficking in drugs, women, illegal migrants and weapons accounts for a large part of the activities of criminal gangs. It can also have some connection with terrorism. These type of criminal activities are often closely linked with weak or failing states. Revenues from drugs have fuelled the weakening of state structures in several drug-producing countries. Revenues from trade in gemstones, timber and small arms, fuel conflict in several parts of the world. All these criminal activities weaken both the rule of law and social order itself. In extreme cases, organized crime can also be seen to dominate the state. A new dimension to organized crime which will merit further attention is the growth in maritime piracy. (Freeman, 2005; Krahmann, 2005) Considering all the factors together – terrorism, the availability of WMD, regional conflicts, organized crime, and the weakening of the state system– one can easily find that the world is now confronted with a very radical threat indeed. Under this scenario, countries seek to create a stable, peaceful international security environment in which their territory, citizens and interests are not threatened. For example, The United States makes all its effort not to not allow a hostile power to dominate any region of critical importance to interests of people. Countries like U.S., European nations and a number of developing nations are working together to prevent the spread of nuclear, biological and chemical weapons and the materials for producing them, and to control other potentially destabilizing technologies, such as long-range missiles. Governments are also making serious efforts to devise effective means for countering and responding to the threats that cannot be deterred or otherwise be prevented from arising. Countries are trying to protect citizens from terrorism, international crime and drug trafficking. (Leonard, 2002) People now seek a world in which democratic values and respect for human rights and the rule of law are increasingly accepted. This can be obtained through expansion of the community of free-market democracies, establishment of an international community that is willing and able to prevent or respond effectively to humanitarian problems, and intensification of international non-governmental movements committed to human rights and democratization. All these efforts extends great help to prevent humanitarian disasters, to promote settlement in states experiencing civil conflict and to address migration and refugee crises. (Freeman, 2005) To every country security has become a huge concern because growth in every field, stretching from economic to social, depends on the aspects of security- national or international. The health of the international economy directly affects security, just as stability enhances the prospects for prosperity. Prosperity ensures that a country is able to sustain its military forces, foreign initiatives and global influence. Every country seeks a cleaner global environment to protect the health and well-being of its citizens. A deteriorating environment not only threatens public health, it impedes economic growth and can generate tensions that threaten international stability. (Leonard, 2002) To enhance international security countries need to follow integrated approaches. An integrated approach is essential for achieving success in countering all the varied threats discussed above requires. This type of approach brings to bear all the capabilities and assets needed to achieve security objectives—particularly in the prevailing era in which domestic as well as foreign policies are increasingly blurred. In order to effectively shape the international environment and effectively respond to all the potential threats and crises, diplomacy, military force, and other foreign and domestic policy tools must be strongly synchronized. (Leonard, 2002) Today international cooperation is very essential for building security because many of the threats cannot be addressed by a single nation. Globalization of transportation and communications has allowed international terrorists and criminals to operate without geographic constraints, while individual governments and their law enforcement agencies remain limited by national boundaries. Therefore, to combat international threats to common interests it is essential for each country to enhance relationships with other nations around the world. Threats can be addressed by increasing intelligence and law enforcement cooperation, denying terrorists safe havens, preventing arms traders from fueling regional conflicts and undermining international cooperation, and cracking down on drug trafficking, money laundering and international crime. Countries need to strengthen and integrate their own diplomatic, military, intelligence and law enforcement capabilities so that they can act on their own when they must as well as more effectively lead the international community in responding to these threats. ( Leonard, 2002) Today many countries including U.S., a number European nations, many third world countries are very likely to be attacked by potential enemies like terrorist groups or criminal organizations in unconventional ways. These non-state organizations are very tempted to upset critical infrastructures, hinder continuity of government operations, use weapons of mass destruction against civilians, and very often make the attacks when people gather at special events. These countries , therefore, must act to prevent such kind of violent attacks and, if attacks occurs in spite of making those efforts, they must be prepared to minimize the damage these attacks cause and respond positively against these violent people or organizations. In domestic front, countries must have effective capabilities for upsetting and responding to terrorist acts, countering international crime and foreign intelligence collection, and protecting critical national infrastructures. The efforts for countering these threats cannot be limited solely to any particular private or governmental agency. The threats and their consequences cross agency lines, therefore, there should be a close cooperation among state , local governments, the industries that own and operate critical national infrastructures, non-governmental organizations and others in the private sector.( Nanda, 2002) As far as, the question of absolute security is concerned, it is not possible to ensure complete security. Terrorists’ organization, as well as other criminal organization have gained huge power. Today they are very well equipped. The incidence of 11th September attack on World Trade Centre, bomb blasts in Tube rail in London, and other massive attacks have shown that terrorists are capable enough to attack those places which are supposed to be highly secured areas. Those incidences show that ensuring high security is not efficient enough to counter these threats. If threats to security were to be wiped out totally, then the structure of society would have to be transformed totally. Because the seeds of hatred, irritation, anger which are responsible for giving the birth of terrorists or criminal are hided in our social norms itself. So it is the most difficult job, and to some extent impossible, to completely destroy terrorists, or criminal organizations who poses major threats to international security. Hence, it is not almost impossible to obtain absolute security. What can be best done by making effective policies is to reduce these threats, and limit their consequences. (Freeman, 2005) Although achieving absolute security is the most difficult job at the hands of the governments, the citizens and their interests can be secured to a large extent if governments are competent enough to make efficient policies. But all countries have not been successful in devising effective international security policies. Unless security planning is efficient enough , the country becomes more exposed to the threats. Poor planning results in more damage to society. Societies become more vulnerable to terrorists attack and others threats if governments fail to make appropriate policies to deal with the threats. Poor planning increases the severity of the attacks, and damages are also increased by manifolds. Therefore, for ensuring international security and countering wide varieties of threats, countries need to make appropriate strategies. The key elements that are crucial for efficient security planning include diplomacy, arms control, nonproliferation initiatives, effective military activities, and environmental initiatives. The following section discusses in detail the key elements that are necessary for building appropriate security policy. Diplomacy is an important tool for countering threats to national as well as international securities. Diplomacy which is conducted through several missions and representatives around the world is very crucial for shaping effecting international cooperation between countries to ensure international security. Diplomacy is also very essential for resolving regional disputes peacefully, preventing humanitarian disaster etc., deterring aggressive activities of outlaw agencies etc. To deal with conflict and complex emergencies some countries put emphasis on the tool of preventive diplomacy, like U.S. when crisis management and crisis resolution become necessary tasks for foreign policy of a nation, adopting preventive diplomacy seems to be essential. Although efficient military force and the confirmed will are essential to defend the vital interests of the citizens of a country, force alone cannot solve all the problems. Force , diplomacy and other policy tools must complement and reinforce each other for ensuring international security. (Benvinisti, 2004) Arms control efforts are also an essential element of international security strategy. Effective arms control is really pose an effective defense to a number of threats to international security. If all the countries across the world pursue verifiable arms control agreements then it would be quite possible to prevent the spread and use of weapons of mass destruction, to put a halt to the use of conventional weapons that cause unnecessary suffering. It also helps in achieving regional stability at lower levels of armaments. If transparency in the size, structure and operations of military forces can be augmented, then arms control agreements could effectively reduce incentives and opportunities to initiate an attack, and would also be able to reduce the mutual suspicions that arise from armaments competition. The arms control agreements among a sufficiently large number of countries are also quite capable of providing adequate assurance of security necessary to strengthen cooperative relationships and directing resources to safer, more productive activities. Agreements that preserve the crisis response capability play a major role in shaping the global and regional security environments. Arms control initiatives are, therefore, a very essential prevention measure for enhancing international security. (Arnett, 1997) Nonproliferation initiatives, on the other hand, improve global security by preventing the spread of WMD, as well as preventing the spread of the materials that are required to produce them. Nonproliferation initiatives also prevent the means of delivering WMD to terrorists groups, or other illegal, criminal organizations. Therefore, collective adherence to the international treaties, such as the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), the CWC and the BWC, that prohibit the acquisition of WMD, should be promoted to a large extent. Among these treaties The NPT is considered to be an crucial prerequisite for the denuclearization of countries including Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Belarus and South Africa. Apart from these treaties, efforts are needed to be undertaken to make stronger the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards system and to make a Fissile Material Cutoff Treaty to put a ceiling on the nuclear materials available for weapons. To counter proliferation efforts it is also very necessary to have the intelligence community and law enforcement agencies making coordinated efforts to detect, prevent and deter illegal trafficking in fissile materials .The governments should also take some measures to prevent destabilizing buildups of conventional arms and limit access to sensitive technical information, equipment and technologies by strengthening multilateral regimes. Efforts should also be made to harmonize national policies for export control, expand information sharing, purify control lists and increase cooperation against illegal transfers. ( Nanda, 2002) For ensuring international security regional nonproliferation initiatives are also very important , especially in three critical proliferation zones - the Korean Peninsula, the Middle East and Southwest Asia. Developed nations, particularly U.S. , are undertaking several measures to encourage non-proliferation activities for ensuring international securities. On Korean Peninsula the 1994 Agreed Framework has been implemented by U.S. Under this framework, North Korea requires to fully comply with nonproliferation obligations imposed on it. On the other hand in the Middle East and South-East Asian countries regional arms control agreements that address the legitimate security concerns of all parties are continually being encouraged by the developed nations, particularly U.S.. Efforts are also being made to prevent Iran’s development of weapons of mass destruction and Iraq’s efforts to reconstitute its programs. In South Asia, India and Pakistan are being constantly persuaded to bring their nuclear and missile programs into compliance with international nonproliferation standards and to sign and ratify the CTBT. (Wasi, 2003) Countries must also maintain superior military forces to effectively deter aggression, conduct a wide range of peacetime activities and smaller-scale contingencies. Military activity is an important part of international security strategy of any country. Military plays an essential role in building coalitions and shaping the international environment in ways that is necessary for maintaining international security at a high level as well as for promoting interests of people. Through its presence in foreign countries, and engagement in several peacetime activities like defense assistance, security assistance, and training and exercises with military forces of other countries , armed forces of a country help to prevent aggression and cruelty, endorse regional stability, and avert and reduce conflicts and threats. Prevention of aggression and cruelty on a regular basis is very important. Ability of the military forces to deter potential adversaries in peacetime depends on a number of factors, especially on the demonstrated will and capability to maintain security commitments when they are challenged. Military forces should also be very potent in communicating to their adversaries, and they should have credible war fighting capability. The war fighting capabilities of any military force depends on the efficiency of military staffs and equipment. The equipments and the forces should be strategically stationed so that whenever needed they can immediately go into action. Therefore, the forces are needed to be maintained at an appropriate level of readiness to deploy and go into action when required. (Arnett, 1997) Apart from the above elements there is another factor that is considered to be a crucial part of an appropriate security strategy. To maintain international security at an desired level countries must undertake some initiatives to protect environment. Today environmental problems seems to be a great threat to the existence of civilization, and the environmental aspects are also closely related to the issues of national and international securities. Decision regarding the environment and natural resources can affect the security for generations. Environmental threats do not pay much attention to national borders and can pose long-term dangers to security and well-being. There is however one problem that natural resource scarcities can generate and aggravate conflict. Health of people is vulnerable to environmental threats such as climatic change, depletion of ozone layer and the transnational movement of hazardous chemicals and waste. To counter these environmental threats, therefore, every country needs to have a full diplomatic program, working bilaterally and multilaterally. The Global Environmental Facility (GEF) is an important instrument to collectively counter environmental threats to security. With 161 member nations, the GEF specifically undertake certain crucial measures to reduce cross-border environmental damage. Countries must also develop environmental forecasting system to provide policymakers prior warning of environmental stress situations which have the potential for significant impact on the interests of citizens. (Rogers, 2002) For protecting environment the industrialized countries for the first time approved an agreement on limiting emission of greenhouse gases in December 1997 at Kyoto. The agreement was very strong and comprehensive, covering the six greenhouse gases whose concentrations are increasing due to human activity. It, however, takes some more years to activate this protocol known as Kyoto Protocol. The protocol reflects the commitments of the nations to use the tools of the free market to tackle this problem. It is expected that this agreement will enhance growth and create new incentives for the rapid development of technologies through a system of joint implementation and emissions trading. The Kyoto agreement was a vital turning point, but there is still have a lot of hard work ahead. Apart from all the initiatives undertaken by countries separately or collectively, international organizations, regimes and treaties have also to be effective in confronting threats to international peace and security, and must therefore be ready to act when their rules are broken. To enhance international security and counter threats key institutions in the international system. such as the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the International Financial Institutions, have extended their membership. Apart from international organizations, some regional organizations are also very effective in strengthening global governance of security. For example ASEAN, MERCOSUR and the African Union make an important contribution to a more orderly world. Conclusion: Maintaining international security has become an important concern of all the nations around the world. All the nations have to make serious efforts to counter the treats to international securities, separately as well as jointly. International and regional organizations also need to make effective policies to enhance international security. Today the world is full of threats as well as opportunities. All the countries and regional or international organizations are required to work together to diminish the threats to realize the opportunity. In doing so, they would create an effective multilateral system leading to a fairer, safer and more united world. References: 1. Jervis, R. 1991. The Future of World Politics: Will it Resemble the Past? International Security, 16 (3), pp. 39-73. 2. Buzan, B. and RIZVI, G. (eds.) 1986. South Asian Insecurity and the Great Powers. New York : St. Martins Press. 3. Gordon, S. 1995. South Asia After the Cold War: Winners and Losers. Asian Survey, 35 (10), pp. 881. 4. Arnett, E. (ed.) 1997. Military Capacity and the Risk of War. 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The US and the Use of Force : Double-edged Hegemony and the Management of Global Emergencies. European Journal of International Law, 15 (4), pp. 677-700 13. Tirman, J. (ed.) 2004. The maze of fear : security and migration after 9/11. New York: The New Press. 14. Freeman, M. 2005. Order, Rights and Threats : Terrorism and Global Justice in Human Rights in the War on Terror, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Read More