International Security: Sovereignty and Modern Threats

Introduction to International Security

• Security has traditionally been about state sovereignty, borders, and military threats
• Modern security includes human security and non-traditional threats
• The Declaration of Principles of International Law sets guidelines for state interactions

State Sovereignty and Security

• State Sovereignty: States have authority over their territory and governance
• Sovereignty is a cornerstone of international law, influencing global security
• Sovereignty is linked to security, protecting states from external threats
• Limitations of State Sovereignty are imposed by international laws, human rights, trade, and environmental treaties
• Global issues, like climate change and terrorism, require cooperation
• Sovereignty can hinder conflict resolution due to states resisting interference
• International bodies mediate, sanction, and intervene when human rights are violated
• Sovereignty shouldn't be absolute, intervention is needed for genocide, war crimes, or environmental threats

Declaration of Principles of International Law

• Key Principle: States cannot use or threaten force
• Key Principle: Conflicts should be resolved through diplomacy
• Key Principle: States should not interfere in another's domestic affairs
• Key Principle: States should work together on global challenges.
• Key Principle: Peoples have the right to determine their political status
• Key Principle: All states are equal under international law
• Key Principle: States must honor international agreements
• Key Debate: Should states have the right to use force if threatened?

National Security vs. Human Security

• National Security protects state sovereignty, borders, and interests through military defense and counterterrorism
• National Security often prioritizes state survival
• Human Security protects individuals from economic, health, environmental, and political threats
• Human Security emphasizes personal safety, human rights, and global cooperation, including food, health, and personal safety
• National Security is state-centric, while Human Security is people-centric
• National and Human Security aims to prevent threats and ensure stability

Case Studies

• COVID-19 Pandemic
• National security measures included border closures and vaccine nationalism
• Human security efforts involved global health initiatives like COVAX
• Refugee Crisis
• National security focused on border control and terrorism concerns
• Human security focused on the rights and dignity of displaced people

New Wars vs. Traditional Wars

• Traditional Wars
• Fought between states with organized armies
• Motivated by territorial or ideological disputes
• Civilians were not the primary targets
• New Wars
• Involve state and non-state actors
• Driven by identity-based conflicts.
• Civilians are primary targets due to asymmetric warfare tactics

Role of Non-State Actors in Conflicts

• Non-State Actors include terrorist groups, multinational corporations, NGOs, and international organizations
• Non-State Actors challenge state control, influence global politics and erode state sovereignty

Seven Categories of Human Security (1994 UN Human Development Report)

• Economic Security: Protection from extreme poverty
• Food Security: Access to sufficient food
• Health Security: Protection from diseases and inadequate healthcare
• Environmental Security: Protection from pollution and climate change
• Personal Security: Protection from violence, crime, and conflict
• Community Security: Protection of cultural and social identity
• Political Security: Protection of human rights and freedoms

Global Inequalities in Human Security

• Threats vary by region (e.g., famine in Africa, gun violence in the U.S.)
• Some threats, like gender-based violence, are often ignored

Case Studies on Human Security

• Cybersecurity Case Study
• A phishing attack compromised 500,000 users' data due to outdated firewalls and lack of training
• Prevention involves improved systems and staff training
• Gun Violence and Human Security
• Gun violence is a global security issue
• U.S. school shootings challenge security definitions
• Stricter gun laws and community safety are solutions

Cybersecurity vs. Gun Violence

• Cybersecurity threats affect digital identity
• Gun violence affects physical safety
• Prevention for cybercrimes involves firewalls and encryption
• Gun control policies aim to prevent Gun Violence
• Consequences of cybercrime are identity theft and fraud
• Consequences of Gun Violence loss of lives

Balancing National and Human Security in Global Governance

• Governments must balance national security with human security interests
• Key Policy Considerations: Address climate change, improve pandemic preparedness, ensure cybersecurity, and enforce global human rights

Reflection Questions

• How can states balance national security with human security?
• What role should IGOs play in addressing global threats?
• Should the international community intervene in sovereign states for human rights violations?
• Answer: Protect borders and people
• Answer: Mediate, aid, and enforce global peace
• Answer: Diplomacy first; force as a last resort

Migration Overview

• Migration occurs due to economic opportunity, safety, education, conflict, and environmental disasters.
• Migration: Movement of people from one place to another
• Voluntary Migration: Movement based on personal choices
• Forced Migration: Involuntary movement due to conflict, disaster, or persecution
• Economic Opportunity: Migration driven by job prospects or financial stability
• Global Crisis: Events causing societal disruption and displacement

Reasons for Migration

• Forced Migration: War/Conflict, Natural disasters, Political persecution, Ethnic or religious discrimination, Climate Change
• Voluntary Migration: Job opportunities, Better education, Family reunification, Lifestyle improvement, Travel or exploration

Forced Migration and Consequences

• Impact On Individuals include: Loss of home, identity, trauma, integration challenges
• Impact On Communities include: Strain on local resources and cultural shifts
• Impact On Global Systems include: Economic pressure on host countries, policy challenges, and humanitarian aid needs

Case Study: Syrian Refugee Crisis

• Millions displaced due to war
• Host countries like Turkey, Lebanon, and Jordan face economic and social strain
• The European migration crisis intensified debates on border control and refugee policies

Key Differences Between Migrant Categories

• Migrant: Moves for economic or personal reasons
• Refugee: Flees persecution, war, or violence
• Asylum Seeker: Seeks protection in another country

UNHCR Role in Refugee Resettlement

• The UNHCR is responsible for protecting refugees.
• The UNHCR provides humanitarian aid and facilitates resettlement to safe countries

Wealth and Access to Citizenship/Residency

• Wealth should not be the sole determinant of citizenship or residency
• Humanitarian needs and equal opportunities should be prioritized

European Migrant Crisis (2015)

• Challenges faced by migrants included: Unsafe travel conditions, legal barriers, and xenophobia.
• The Impact on Europe included: Political tensions, humanitarian aid strain, and social integration efforts.
• Fast-Track Citizenship vs. Traditional Migration showed contrasts between policies for wealthy migrants and refugees.

Global Environmental Challenges & Their Interconnections

• Climate Change
• Climate Change Causes: Greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels, deforestation, and industry.
• Climate Change Effects: Rising temperatures, extreme weather, sea-level rise, and ecosystem disruptions.
• Climate Change Mitigation Strategies: Renewable energy, energy efficiency, reforestation, and international agreements.
• Biodiversity Loss
• Biodiversity Loss Causes: Habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, and overexploitation.
• Biodiversity Loss Effects: Decline in species populations, ecosystem imbalances, and reduced productivity.
• Biodiversity Loss Conservation Efforts: Protected areas, anti-poaching laws, and sustainable land use.
• Deforestation
• Deforestation Causes: Agriculture, logging, infrastructure expansion, and wildfires.
• Deforestation Effects: Loss of carbon sinks, desertification, and biodiversity loss.
• Deforestation Solutions: Reforestation, sustainable forestry, and stricter land-use policies.
• Pollution
• Pollution Types: Air, water, soil, noise, and plastic pollution.
• Pollution Effects: Respiratory diseases, contaminated water supplies, and ocean acidification.
• Pollution Control Measures: Regulations on emissions, waste management, and biodegradable plastics.

Human Impact & Sustainability Concepts

• Industrialization vs. Sustainability: Economic growth often leads to environmental degradation, requiring a balance
• Sustainable Development: Meeting present needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet theirs
• Climate Mitigation vs. Adaptation
• Climate Mitigation means: Reducing emissions and improving energy efficiency
• Climate Adaptation means: Building resilient infrastructure and developing drought-resistant crops

Major International Agreements & Conferences

• 1972 Stockholm Conference
• The Stockholm Conference was the First global conference on the environment
• The Stockholm Conference led to the creation of UNEP
• The Stockholm Conference emphasized that nations have the right to use their resources but must not harm others
• 1987 Brundtland Report
• The Brundtland Report introduced sustainable development
• The Brundtland Report highlighted the need for global cooperation
• 1992 Earth Summit (Rio Conference)
• The Earth Summit established the UNFCCC
• The Earth Summit Introduced the Principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR)
• The Earth Summit created Agenda 21
• 1997 Kyoto Protocol
• The Kyoto Protocol established the first legally binding treaty for reducing greenhouse gas emissions
• The Kyoto Protocol required developed nations to cut emissions but exempted developing countries
• The Kyoto Protocol faced setbacks as the U.S. withdrew, and enforcement was weak
• 2015 Paris Agreement
• The Paris Agreement is a global commitment to limit warming to below 2°C, ideally 1.5°C
• The Paris Agreement defined Countries setting their own emission reduction targets (Nationally Determined Contributions)
• The Paris Agreement defined Developed nations pledged $100 billion per year to support developing countries
• The Paris Agreement was criticized due to the lack of Penalties for missing targets
• Global North vs. Global South Divide
• Industrialized Nations (Global North): Historically responsible for emissions and having resources for mitigation
• Developing Nations (Global South): Face climate change impacts and need economic growth
• Fair Burden-Sharing: Developed nations should provide financial aid and technology transfer and avoid economic harm

Key Questions & Debates

• Human Progress vs. Environmental Protection: Should economic growth justify environmental damage, or is sustainability critical?
• Effectiveness of Global Agreements: Are treaties effective, and how can they be enforced?
• Industrialization vs. Sustainability in Developing Nations: How can developing nations minimize environmental harm?

Real-World Case Studies & Data Analysis

• Climate Change Impact on Coral Reefs
• Example: The Great Barrier Reef bleaching due to rising ocean temperatures
• Lessons: Need for global CO2 reduction to preserve marine ecosystems
• CO2 Emissions Over Time
• Developed nations historically responsible for most emissions
• Emerging economies (China, India) are now significant contributors
• Biodiversity Loss in Amazon & Artic
• Deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest occurs for agriculture and logging
• Melting ice caps in the Arctic affect polar bear habitats and sea levels

Proposed Solutions

• Policy & Regulation involve: Carbon taxes, emission caps, clean energy incentives, and strengthened environmental laws.
• Green Technology & Renewable Energy involves: Wind, solar, hydro, and nuclear energy investments, and innovations in sustainable agriculture and transportation.
• Public Awareness & Individual Action involves: Reducing waste, conserving energy, and making sustainable consumption choices.