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definition of security
a state's ability to defend itself against external threats
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Traditional realist approach to security - states
assumption that states are constrained in their choices by an international system that is inherently anarchic
- the prime concern for a state is survival
- although alliances, states are responsible for their own survival
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Realism bullet points
- The international system is anarchic.
- There is no actor above states capable of regulating their interactions; states must arrive at relations with other states on their own, rather than it being dictated to them by some higher controlling entity.
- States are the most important actors.
- All states within the system are unitary, rational actors
- States tend to pursue self-interest.
The primary concern of all states is survival.
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Realist perspective - Hobbes
state of nature categorized by a permanent system of anarchy
- state of nature is a highly dangerous enviroment
- therefore, no security
anarchic system of nature most insecure where the power prevail over the weak. Though powerful must watch backs
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Realists like Mearsheimer
- conceptualize IR as a "constant state of war"
- - perspective highlights that states cannot trust each other
"If a state cannot survive it cannot pursue other goals"
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traditional realism explains (the old) Security Dilemma
- any action to "enhance" security will have implications
- if a state increases its security, others will feel insecure - ongoing cycle
- eg intl arms race in Cold War
- Realism was a dominant paradigm in the Cold War (nuclear escalation and bipolar division)
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New Security Dilemma?
the end of bipolarity and the Cold War saw security as a concept widen
- more than just physical state security
- included more contemporary concepts such a societal and human security
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definition of human security
- an emerging paradigm for understanding global vulnerabilities
- focus shifts to protecting individuals
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The Contempory Security Agenda
European Security Strategy 2003 and US Security Strategy 2010 form basis of security policy
seem to converge to some degree thus creating a "Western" conception of what matters
emphasis on terrorism, proliferation of WMD and regional conflicts (with a focus on the Middle East)
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European Security Strategy 2003
identifies global challenges and threats to security
promotes an international order based on multilateralism
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US Security Agenda 2010
issued by Obama administration
advocated increased engagement with Russia, China, India
nuclear proliferation and terrorism as priorities
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Liberalism - Nye
and Keohane accept the international system is in a state of anarchy
But believe international co-operation is possible and would mitigate the negative effects of anarchy
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Liberalism - concept of "complex interdependence"
concept coined by Keohane, a liberal institutionalist
- resulting from co-operation
- prevents states from going to War with each other
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the concept of transnationalism and an empirical example
entails that IR is about more than just state interaction
heightened interconnectivity between people
cross-border co-operation that recedes the economic and social significance of borders
- eg European intergration - peace project
- BUT realists - self interest (especially in the realms of "low politics")
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concept of Positive Peace
- concept by Galtung
- peace not to be define negatively as the absence of violence
instead an emphasis on the restoration of relationships and managing conflict positively
inspired concept of human security
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Securitization
a potential power tool - evident the agenda is not given naturally
declaring something as a "security matter" politicises the issue, sense of urgency
legitimizes exceptional measures
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