12 Questions
What is security, according to the definitions provided?
A state of mind in which an individual feels protected from harm.
What is the primary concern of states in international politics?
Maintaining their security and watching the balance of military power.
What is the relationship between security and perception?
Security depends entirely on perception and not on objective conditions.
What is the characteristic of international politics that leads to states' concern for security?
The absence of a world government, or anarchy.
What is the scope of the concept of security?
Security is relevant to individuals, groups, and nations.
What is the main area of focus for states in their pursuit of security?
Military power and the intentions of other states.
What is the assumption underlying the concept of deterrence?
That an enemy will not attack if the costs outweigh the benefits
What is the paradox of conventional deterrence?
That a state under threat of attack is better off attacking the enemy first
What is the weakness of nuclear deterrence?
That it invites counterretaliation
What is the problem associated with extended deterrence?
That it creates a credibility problem
What is the new deterrent force that has risen in the post-Cold War period?
The international peacekeeping force
What is the driving force behind the United States' deterrence strategy?
Cutting-edge technology
Study Notes
Security Definition
- Security is a state of mind where an individual feels safe from harm and anxiety
- It implies freedom from threats to core values for both individuals and groups
- Security is a subjective state of mind, not an objective condition of being
National Security
- A state believes itself secure when it feels that nothing adverse can be done to it by other states or non-state actors
- States are concerned with their security, primarily focusing on not being threatened by others
- International politics is anarchic, with no world government, leading states to prioritize security
Elements of Security
- Military power is a key element of security, but not the only one
- Other essential elements include economic wealth, political leadership, citizen motivation, and access to food and raw materials
Importance of Security
- Security concerns have driven hegemonic wars, economic self-sufficiency efforts, arms races, and interventions in other states' affairs
- Alliances have been formed and broken, and religious and ideological crusades have been launched in the name of security
Strategies to Preserve Security
Deterrence
- Deterrence assumes an enemy will not attack if the costs outweigh the benefits
- Capability for deterrence comes from armed forces' size, skill, and weaponry
- Deterrence raises the problem that a state under threat may attack first to prevent being attacked
- Nuclear deterrence can make nuclear war obsolete but also invites counterretaliation
- Extended deterrence creates a credibility problem, increasing the chance of nuclear war
International Peacekeeping Force
- A new deterrent force has risen in regional conflicts, seeking to deter both sides from initiating destructive combat
Understand the basics of national security, including the concept of feeling safe from harm and freedom from threats to core values. Learn how a state perceives security and the importance of protecting individuals and groups from external threats.
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