Security in the Contemporary World — Important Questions

Deterrence, Defence, Balance of power, Alliance building

Traditional security policy has four main components: deterrence (preventing war), defence (limiting or ending war), balance of power (maintaining favorable power relations), and alliance building (forming coalitions for security). Human rights protection is part of non-traditional security.

Individuals and communities

Non-traditional security concepts expand the referent beyond just the state to include individuals, communities, and all of humankind. This is called 'human security' or 'global security' and focuses on protecting people, not just states.

Terrorism, Global poverty, Health epidemics, Human rights violations

Non-traditional security threats include terrorism, global poverty, health epidemics, and human rights violations. Military invasion is a traditional security threat. Non-traditional threats go beyond military concerns to include threats to human existence and dignity.

Political violence that targets civilians deliberately and indiscriminately

Terrorism is defined as political violence that targets civilians deliberately and indiscriminately. Terrorist groups seek to change political conditions through force, often targeting civilians to terrorize the public and pressure governments.