Threats to Global Security - Essay Example

THREATS TO GLOBAL SECURITY Introduction While the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were supposed to be achieved by 2015, most countries are still grappling with insecurity. Over 800 million people globally are food insecure, while poverty has also been high especially in the developing countries. For the purpose of this essay, eradication of poverty and hunger will be considered, the main Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which is yet to be achieved. The discussion will demonstrate how poverty and hunger are directly related to violence. The world is grappling with increased terror attacks, especially in Iraq, Yemen, Nigeria, Kenya, and Syria among other countries. Civil and military violence have also been reported in countries such as the Central African Republic, a situation that further threatens food security and eradication of poverty. With this kind of environment, the achievement of millennium development goals is becoming increasingly difficult. Hence, the paper will focus mostly on both the convention security threats (warfare) and non-military security threats (poverty and hunger). Discussion will conclude by providing a way forward on what needs to be done to de-escalate the existing violence to enhance achievement of millennium development goals. The global statistics indicate that the number of hungry people has continued to increase. Food insecurity is higher than the proponents of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) anticipated it. There is no big difference between the global food insecurity year ago and now, a situation that demonstrates the failure by stakeholders, such as government in achievement of food security. In 2010, the UNHCR report indicated that about 925 million people were hungry. In 2014, the World Hunger Statistics reported that over 800 million people were malnourished. While the number has decreased by about 125 million, the report also indicated that close to 935 people did not have enough food to eat globally1. These two reports indicate that food insecurity is still a major challenge in the world today. This millennium development goal is yet to be achieved. In the African and Asian continents, the main contributing factors have been unending conflicts, desertification, poverty and corruption. Poor farming methods and lack of scientific research in agriculture are also some potential causes of food insecurity in most parts of the world. However, it is imperative to note that food insecurity affects also the most advanced nations. For instance, close to 12% of the US population were in danger of experiencing hunger. Food insecurity has continued to be a challenge, especially in the African and Asian continents. A report by the UN Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), 2014, indicated that at least I in every three in the sub-Saharan Africa was hungry. This part of Africa is most affected by food insecurity followed by the Asian continent. In 2010, for instance, out of 925 million experiencing hunger globally, more than 70% were from Africa and Asian continent. The report by the UN High Commission for Refugees2 indicated that conflict in the Asia and African continents were the major causes of food insecurity. The report indicated that food insecurity was also likely to be highest in the countries where conflict was high, especially in the Middle East and Central Africa. The statistics indicated that in countries that experience conflicts, over 50% of the population were more likely to be impoverished compared to countries with no conflicts. Another report by the World Bank, reported that children in countries experiencing violence were also three times more likely to drop out of schools3. In 2011, a report by the UNHCR (2012) indicated that the number of refugees in Africa had hit close to 3.5 million. The internally displaced were 7 million, while globally; there were more than 35.4 million people4. This number has increased in 2015, a demonstration that situations are actually worsening. African and Asian continents also face some huge challenges that make it difficult to grow enough food to feed the population. In Africa, for instance, one of the biggest challenges has been the high population growth rate. A report by the World Bank5 indicated that the poorest countries in the sub-Saharan Africa had also the highest population. This is despite that most of the countries in this region subsist about $1.5 a day. This is a major challenge owing to the increased cost of living, making many people afford food. The deterioration of the environment, especially in the African continent has been one of the main challenges to achieving food security6. The desertification, deforestation and erosion have also affected many parts of the world. However, the African continent is the worst hit due to lack of proper preparedness and poverty. For instance, most of the counties, including Kenya, Tanzania, Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda rely mostly on rain for agricultural processes. With the current climatic changes, overreliance on the traditional methods of farming does hinder the achievement of food security. The resistance to change, especially in matters concerning the genetically modified foods (GMOs), has been a major hindrance to food security. There is a correlation between poverty and hunger. In Africa, the sub-Saharan region is the most affected by poverty. The World Bank (2011) indicated that more than a billion people from developing countries subsisted on less than $1.25 a day7. Further, more than 2.2 billion people were also living in less than $2 a day8. The statistics demonstrate that poverty is one of the major factors leading to food insecurity globally. However, the situation is worse in Asian and African continent where the number of poor people is significantly higher. For instance, Nigeria, which is Africa’s most populous and richest country, has the highest number of poor people. It is estimated that close to 50% of the 170 million populations are poor. Similar situations are also witnessed in Kenya, where about 46% are poor9. However, reports of the Transparency International (2014) indicate that poverty in most African countries is caused by the increased levels of corruption. Higher unemployment rates are also possible challenges that make it impossible for most people to afford food. The United Nations Millennium Development Goals report 2007 indicated that the world had made great achievements in issues of poverty reduction, improvement of living standards, provision of health care services, and efforts towards food security10. In 2015 (this year), it is expected that nations will have achieved the MDG’s. However, statistics indicate that most of the goals remain to be achieved. The sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in the central Africa, is the most affected region. Poverty eradication and hunger have been hampered by the increase insecurity in the region11. Food insecurity is a kind of non-military threat affecting most of the countries globally. Poverty remains a major threat to the achievement of other MDG’s in Africa. For instance, it is estimated that most of the population subsists on less than a dollar a day. The reports by the UN reported that while the millennium development goals are yet to be achieved, there is a major progress especially in the sub-Saharan Africa. For instance, the extreme poverty has fallen to 41.1% compared to 46% in the 90s12. However, the gap between the rich and the poor in the community continues to rise, a situation that is threatening regional stability. The child hunger is also on the decrease, though it is still high. In the sub-Saharan Africa, child hunger has decreased to 29%, down from 33% in the 90s. The progress has been slow owing to various challenges. One of the major challenges to addressing food insecurity in Africa is little investment in Agricultural research and failure to embrace scientific methods. Most of the developing countries oppose the genetically modified foods, despite the adverse climatic conditions. Generally, statistics indicate that people’s living standards have improved and there has been a decreased mortality rates in most countries. Despite these achievements, most countries such as CAR, Yemen and Syria face both the conventional security threat and non-military threat. Poverty is rising in the country owing to increased conflicts that are slowing down the economy. The food supply challenge is a reality going by the report from the world hunger statistics. It is estimated that every year, at least more than 1.5 million children die out of hunger13. Close to 33% of the global population is said to be starving, while one person dies after every 3.6 seconds. It is estimated that close to 800 million people experience malnutrition and hunger, as another more than 935 million lack enough food to eat. The challenges of food supplies affect both the developed and developing countries. For instance, it is estimated that close to 12% of U.S population are at a risk of hunger (world hunger statistics, 2014). The reduction in food supplies has been attributed to various factors. Firstly, the climatic change has become a reality. The unpredictable weather conditions have reduced food production, as temperatures have soared and rains reduce14. More reliance on rain to farm, coupled with low investment in irrigation projects has also exacerbated the challenge. The global population is on the rise, while the farming population is aging. Most of the young and energetic people have shunned farming has left this important sector under the management of the old and weak. Most farmers lack access to credit facilities, farming skills and improved infrastructure to ensure that food can reach various destinations easily15 The food supply has also been affected by resistance to change as people fail to embrace food technologies. The GMOs have been rejected in most countries, especially in the developing worlds. There is a rumor that genetically modified foods are could pose health risks; hence the perpetuation of traditional farming that has proven unreliable. With the climatic change and other challenges in agriculture, research and development is imperative. However, the main challenge is that governments have failed to increase funding to support such developments. This has therefore hampered production of seeds that are more resistant to diseases and harsh climatic conditions. The above statics is a demonstration that the millennium development goal is yet to be achieved. In 2015, even the most developed countries such as the United States are still struggling to feed their population. With this kind of insecurity, it will take more time for countries to be able to find an amicable solution to other MDGs, including ensuring that people have access to quality health care and education. The Syrian conflict has led to one of the greatest humanitarian crisis in the recent times. Currently, it is estimated that close to 3.9 million people are refugees, and face challenges of scarcity of water and food16. The refugees, mostly found in Lebanon and Jordan. According to the statistics from the UN, the conflict has culminated into the displacement of about 7.6 million people. The conflict has led to one of the biggest humanitarian crisis, where more than 14 million children have also been affected17. The fighting has made it difficult for such children to get access to quality health care services, and other basic needs such as food and education. The conflict began in 2011, immediately after President Assad took power. The protests were initially meant to be peaceful, but would later turn violent with the government using excessive force to disperse demonstrators. With the volatile state of insecurity in the Middle East, the demonstrations would later turn to be civil war. The ISIS has taken advantage of the situation, and has been fighting the government with an aim of establishing an Islamic caliphate. The Syrian conflict is also said to have affected the economic and social development. Economic activities, especially in the major cities have been paralyzed. Food production has also been hampered by the continuing conflicts, making Syria to become food insecure. The Syrian conflict has also affected the Life Expectancy. For instance, prior to the war, the life expectancy was approximately 75.9. It has not plunged to 55.7, which is a significant decrease18. This is a demonstration that the ongoing conflict has affected the achievement of many MDGs, including health, education and food security. The conflict in Yemen is slowly degenerating into one of the worst humanitarian crisis in the Middle East. It is currently estimated that the conflict has displaced hundreds of thousands, and left over 12 million people with food and water scarcity19. The situation is likely to worsen in future owing to the methods of intervention being used to ‘quell’ the situation. The conflict is being perpetuated by the Houthis, who accused the Yemens deposed President Abdu Rabu Mansour Hadi of perpetuating marginalization. The Houthis are mostly the Shiites, who is regarded as the minority in the country. The death toll is estimated to be more than 600 civilians20.The conflict prompted Saudi Arabia to take military action against the rebels in Yemen. The decision is because of the threat that the current conflict pose to the country. With the ceasefire agreement not likely to be achieved in the near future, it is becoming difficult to supply the victims with food and medicine. Currently, Yemen has no government. Like in Syria, the achievement of MDGs may be affected in Yemen due to the economic standoff. The health care services and education have also been paralyzed. The method of intervention being used by Saudi Arabia and Yemen security agencies is not likely to lead to an amicable solution. The main issue of marginalization, which has caused economic and social inequality is not being addressed. Further, the Al Qaeda terror group and ISIS have begun taking advantage of the situation, hence likely to exacerbate the situation (Bramfield, 2015). Hence, even if the military succeeds in defeating the rebels, sporadic violence is likely to be witnessed in future, a situation that will make it extremely difficult to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The Ukrainian crisis began in 201321. It began as a protest against President the former Viktor Yanukovych when he suspended the implementation of an association of the agreement. The goal was to see Ukraine become part of the European Union. A majority of the citizens were in support of the European Union. However, there was increased pressure from Russia, which has been a major partner with Ukraine. The demonstrations in Kiev would culminate in a military war, between the Ukrainian government and pro-Russian insurgents. It is alleged that more than 50% of the insurgents fighting the government forces, especially in Donetsk are Russians22. The violence has led to death of hundreds of soldiers and innocent people. Currently, it is estimated that thousands of people, especially in the Eastern part of Ukraine have no access to quality health care, clean water and food. The economic activities in most parts of Ukraine were affected due to the on-going conflict. The decision to join the European Union prompted Russia to annex Crimea. This is a geographical location in the southern part of Ukraine23. While the peace deal between Russia and Ukraine was signed in February 2015, the situation is still volatile especially in Donetsk. This will make it difficult for Ukraine to protect the private properties of its citizens. The World Bank has reported that the current violence has affected the economic growth and development in both Russia and Ukraine. For instance, the Ukrainian economy has depreciated by close to 8%. The country has had to depend on international borrowing to be able to support its economy. This kind of state of affairs is likely to prevent the ability of Ukraine to achieve its millennium development goals (MDGs). With the negative economic impact of war, the country may not have enough resources to respond effectively in enhancing food security and achievement of other millennium development goals. The Iraq conflict is one of the most the worst, which has been existent since 90s (Campbell, 2010). It has led to displacement of hundreds of thousands of people and unprecedented death of innocent people. Under the leadership of Saddam Hussein, many people were marginalized and murdered. The current crisis, though, has taken a different turn. The situation has worsened due to the rise of the Islamic State of Iraq and Lavante (ISIL). The conflict began in January 2014, and has led to a huge humanitarian crisis. The most affected places include Anbar, Diyala and Nivewa, where major displacements of people and deaths have been reported24. Currently, it is estimated that over 1.8 million people have been internally displaced. Further, thousands of innocent people have also been killed. Currently, it is estimated that over 80% of the healthcare systems are not working in most parts of the country. It is also indicated that about 20% of the displaced people are in dire need of water and food (World Health Organization, 2014). A majority of them live in the public places, such as schools waiting to be fed. The statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO, 2014), indicated that with the current effects on the economy, it will become increasingly difficult for the country to achieve its food and health security25. The child mortality rate, which is one of the main MDGs, is high. This has been attributed to the fact that most of the hospitals are not operational. Further, a majority of women and children who have been displaced lack access to quality health care. With the current situation, it will be increasingly difficult to ensure that countries experiencing violence will be able to feed their population. The Boko Haram in Nigeria is determined to destabilize Cameroon, Niger, Chad and other surrounding countries. The Boko Haram is one of the terror groups that have been operating mostly in the Northern Nigeria. It is estimated that more than 10,000 people have died since 2013. The Boko Haram has also been involved in a series of kidnappings. While the concerted efforts of the Chadian, Niger, Cameroon, and Nigeria militaries seek to neutralize the Boko Haram, it may still take time. The Boko Haram has already caused huge losses, including the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people. Just like the ISIL in Middle East, and Al Shabab in East Africa, the Boko Haram has been aiming at establishing an Islamic caliphate in Northern Nigeria. The terror group is opposed to western education, explaining the main reason it has been destroying institutions of learning. Currently, there is a large humanitarian crisis in the most affected regions of Nigeria. Thousands of displaced people lack food, medical services and other basic needs. There has also been a humanitarian crisis in Southern Sudan, where the internal conflicts have led to deaths of more than 10,000 people and displacement of hundreds of thousands (Unicef, 2014). Statistics indicate a correlation between social conflicts and achievement of MDGs. In regions where warfare is being experienced, people experience economic turmoil, due to decreased economic activities. Insecurity discourages both the local and international investment. War leads to destruction and malfunctioning of various government institutions making it difficult for them to provide quality services to the people. In Ukraine, for instance, the conflict led to destruction of institutions, such as that of health and education. This meant that people could not be able to access health care services. In most countries such as Syria, war has led to loss of jobs to thousands of workforce in the affected area. In CAR, more than 600,000 people have been internationally displaced, with a majority of them living in refugee camps (Unicef, 2014). Further, thousands have also fled in neighbouring countries to seek to refuge. With this kind of environment, it becomes difficult for countries to be able to achieve their MDG’s. The eradication of poverty and food insecurity depends on government support for various projects. While it would be biased to indicate that insecurity is the major cause of poverty and food insecurity, it is necessary to point out that peace is important in achievement of MDGs. for instance, one of the ways that would lead to eradication of poverty was for governments to create more employment opportunities for their citizens. This would be achieved by creating a favorable business environment that would attract both foreign investors. Further, countries would be able to eliminate poverty through infrastructural developments, especially in transport, communication and technology. The growth and development of transportation network enhances ease of movement of goods and people from one place to another, hence supporting the economic activities. Further, it is imperative to ensure that the government supports the business environment through automation of most of the processes. This makes it easier for businesses to be registered and to begin their operation. Automation of businesses lowers cost of business, hence attracting international investors. With the kind of conflict experienced in most countries, people live in tension, hence mentally and psychologically prepared to address challenges facing them. In CAR, for instance, malnutrition affects millions of the population. While the government may support initiatives such as mechanization of agriculture and irrigation to increase food production, the initiative is hampered by the ongoing conflicts. Most of the government in war-torn countries is also spending millions of dollars in acquisition of weapons, hence allocating very little towards economic growth initiatives. Hence, there is a close relationship between conflicts and realization of the MDGs. The Central African Republic, Yemen and Syria also face a non-military form of security threat that has been blamed on existing social conflicts. The county is one of the poorest in Africa, yet is has the deposits of the most precious minerals, such as diamond. The country has good climatic conditions that would favor agricultural activities to enhance food security (Buzan, and Hanson, 2009). However, the current conflict has made hindered the government’s ability to achieve its objectives of addressing security threats, such as hunger and poverty. According to a report by UNICEF (2014), hundreds of thousands of the population were food insecure. The international communities have worked hard to ensure that the affected can food reliefs. The poverty has been on the rise in the country, a situation that has forced many children to drop out of school. The UNICEF report indicates that poverty is a major reason forcing children out of school, apart from the ongoing conflicts. As the rate of literacy rises, the poverty level will also increase. Even if the country becomes peaceful, the non-military violence will still linger for some time. The local people lack the skills that are important in ensuring that they can be employed. The country will need to rely mostly on the foreign experts for national building before most of the local people can gain the necessary skills. This demonstrates that there will be a cycle of poverty in the country, owing to the fact that a majority of parents are economically challenged. This means that they are unable to take their children to school. The above examples of conflicts will continue to affect governments and other agencies in their effort to enhance food security and reduce poverty. To respond to this challenge a number of recommendations has been proposed. Firstly, there is a need for financial aid most countries in sub-Saharan Africa. This will include CAR, and Nigeria who has been already at war. Poor countries also need for financial support. In the Middle East, financial support is also required in Yemen, Syrian, and Iraq, which have been devastated by warfare. Secondly, there is a need for peace-talks in the affected countries. In countries such as Yemen, a political solution to the problem affecting the community is needed, rather than the use of military intervention. Thirdly, eradication of poverty and hunger is necessary. This will be achieved by enhancing good governance, enhancing democracy, prevention of corruption and creation of employment opportunities. Governments need to foster political stability in order to attract investors. Fourthly, supporting formation of justice and reconciliation commission in affected countries will enhance healing end of warfare. With the kind of injustices reported and their causes, military intervention alone will not be able to solve the challenge. References Buzan, B., and Hanson, L. 2009 the Evolution of International Security Studies (Cambridge: CUP), Chs.1and 2. 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