Elements of National Security Overview

Study Notes

Elements of National Security

Military security includes protection from invasions, terrorism, and cyber attacks, alongside managing physical threats like border and coastal security.
Economic security refers to national wealth and the economic freedom of both the state and its citizens, emphasizing the protection of key economic sectors.
Energy security focuses on the uninterrupted supply of energy and the security of international and energy-related assets.
Environmental security addresses climate change impacts, such as internal displacement, warming wars, and pollution, which is a transnational issue.
Ethnic security aims to avoid sectional conflicts, ensuring national integration and promoting harmony among various ethnic groups.
Cyber security involves protecting a nation’s digital infrastructure and developing both offensive and defensive cyber capabilities.
Health security incorporates disease surveillance, rapid response measures, and preparedness for health emergencies.
Information security emphasizes the protection of citizens' privacy rights, the status of data as a public good, and safeguarding national security-related information.
Resource security highlights water conflicts, distinguishing between internal disputes like the Cauvery issue and external ones such as the Indus water dispute.
Political security focuses on ensuring national sovereignty, maintaining government stability, and upholding citizens' human rights.
Geostrategic security concerns military cooperation and the strategic autonomy in defense procurement and training.
Food security tackles nutritional poverty and implements measures to prevent starvation.
Disaster security requires effective mitigation measures and quick response strategies to emergencies.

National Security Doctrine

A National Security Doctrine consists of fundamental principles guiding how various elements of national power protect and promote state interests.
It summarizes a country's strategic vision, preparing it to manage future challenges efficiently.
Emphasis is placed on identifying missions and principles for armed forces, diplomacy, and intelligence to achieve national goals.

Notable Quotes

Ajit Doval refers to the new dimensions of warfare, highlighting civil society's role in fourth-generation warfare.
Shivshankar Menon critiques partial reforms that lead to vulnerabilities and emphasizes the need for thorough reforms.
Menon also notes political hesitation in formulating a national security strategy may stem from concerns over accountability in defense management.
Stephen P. Cohen and Sunil Das Gupta discuss India's tradition of strategic restraint, derived from a historical rejection of colonization and its methods.
CDS General Anil Chauhan clarifies that a lack of a written National Security Strategy does not imply ineffectiveness, citing successful actions like the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status.

Why in the News?

India is actively working on creating a National Security Strategy after extensive discussions within its military and strategic communities.
The National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) collaborates with various central ministries and departments to draft this comprehensive strategy, which will require final Cabinet approval upon completion.

Description

This quiz covers the various aspects of national security, including military, economic, energy, environmental, ethnic, cyber, and health security. Participants will explore how these elements contribute to the overall safety and stability of a nation. Test your understanding of these critical components that protect a country from diverse threats.