Security Studies Overview

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Questions and Answers

What best describes the difference between national and international security?

National security is specific to a state. (correct)

International security relates only to military alliances.

International security focuses on internal state matters.

National security pertains to the global community.

Which category of security focuses on the presence of threats?

Static security

Negative security (correct)

Dynamic security

Positive security

In the context of security analysis, which dimension addresses the methods used to achieve security?

How (correct)

When

What

Who

What characterizes the realist view on security during the Cold War?

Focusing solely on political-military dimensions. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'false security' imply in security typologies?

Objective insecurity with perceived security. Signup and view all the answers

Which event led to the consideration of economics as a vital factor in security?

1973 Oil Crisis Signup and view all the answers

What major change occurred in the post-Cold War views on security?

Emphasis on non-military dimensions. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following reflects the concept of indivisibility of security?

Collective security arrangements among states. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a direct impact of criminal activities?

Money laundering Signup and view all the answers

Which state role is primarily responsible for providing critical services like money laundering?

Service State Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a characteristic of the cumulative effects of criminal activities?

Long-term harm to economies and social systems Signup and view all the answers

What trend indicates the global spread of criminal operations beyond their origin countries?

Transnationalization and Delocalization Signup and view all the answers

What organizational characteristic involves the use of subcontractors and buffers for protection?

Networking and Decentralization Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a positive aspect of criminal activities?

Strain on governmental resources Signup and view all the answers

What is a key benefit of strategic alliances between criminal groups?

Enhanced operational efficiency Signup and view all the answers

How are modern organized crime groups characterized in terms of their operations?

Fragmented operations across multiple countries Signup and view all the answers

How is security increasingly viewed in modern discourse?

As a perception rather than an objective state Signup and view all the answers

What is the main object of security according to Liberalism?

Society's representative roles of the state Signup and view all the answers

Which paradigm views security as subjective and focuses on identity and self-formation?

Critical Theory Signup and view all the answers

What does the Copenhagen School model emphasize regarding securitization?

The issue being defined as a security concern through speech acts Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of asymmetry was highlighted by the events following 9/11?

The global relevance and challenges posed by asymmetric threats Signup and view all the answers

In a broad military sense, what defines an asymmetric threat?

Weaker actors employing unconventional methods Signup and view all the answers

What is the general concept of strategic asymmetry?

Maximizing advantages by utilizing differences in capabilities Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a security sector identified by the Copenhagen School?

Technological Signup and view all the answers

Which type of weapons are documented as being somewhat easier to transport and store compared to nuclear weapons?

Chemical weapons Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant operational hurdle in the dissemination of biological and chemical weapons?

Target selection Signup and view all the answers

How many documented cases of CBRN attacks occurred in the 20th century?

475 Signup and view all the answers

Which group attempted to develop nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons with limited success?

Aum Shinrikyo Signup and view all the answers

What type of weapon was used in the anthrax letters sent in the USA in 2001?

Biological weapon Signup and view all the answers

What advances raise concerns about the future proliferation of biological weapons?

Nanotechnology Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following groups used chemical weapons during their operations in the 1990s?

LTTE Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome for most of the recorded WMD attacks in terms of damage and fatalities?

Limited damage and fatalities Signup and view all the answers

What motivates ethnic/nationalistic terrorism?

Separatism or ethno-nationalist ideologies Signup and view all the answers

What role does decentralization play in contemporary terrorist organizations?

It encourages isolated cells to operate autonomously. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes 'amateurization' in terrorism?

Increased engagement of non-specialist perpetrators. Signup and view all the answers

Which attack method is NOT commonly used by terrorists seeking a high psychological impact?

Formal military engagements Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic unique to Islamic terrorism?

High politicization with an anti-Western focus. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common objective of ethnic/nationalistic terror groups?

To maximize casualties through simultaneous attacks. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a group associated with ethnic/nationalistic terrorism?

IRA Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of ethno-nationalistic terrorism?

Clear achievable goals Signup and view all the answers

Which category of drugs is primarily associated with production in Colombia?

Cocaine Signup and view all the answers

What is the main factor that indicates the annual impact of drug trafficking?

Valuation in the hundreds of billions Signup and view all the answers

Which type of weapon is classified under the traditional categories of Weapons of Mass Destruction?

Nuclear weapons Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not an example of illegal commodities trafficking?

Pharmaceutical drugs Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant characteristic of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS)?

They can include substances like fentanyl. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the relationship between drug trafficking and non-state actors?

Drug trafficking often has close ties with guerrilla and terrorist organizations. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about the type of drugs used by women among injection drug users?

Only a minority of injection drug users are women. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor must be present for non-state actors to utilize Weapons of Mass Destruction effectively?

Resources and intent both are necessary. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Security - Preliminary Remarks

Security is central to International Relations (IR) and foundational in security studies.
Security lacks a universally accepted definition; it evolves continuously.
A. Wolfers defined security as an "ambiguous symbol."

Security - Basic Classifications and Typologies

National vs. International Security:
- National security pertains to a state's internal aspects.
- International security concerns the external aspects or international system.
Negative vs. Positive Security:
- Negative security is the absence of threats.
- Positive security ensures safety.
Internal vs. External Security:
- Internal security focuses on threats originating within a state.
- External security focuses on external threats.
Static vs. Dynamic Security:
- Static security is a state of being secure.
- Dynamic security involves a process to achieve security.

Security - Advanced Categories and Typologies

Objective vs. Subjective Security:
- Objective security is real and factual.
- Subjective security is perceived security.
Four Security Scenarios:
- Security (objective and subjective security).
- Obsession (objective security but perceived insecurity).
- False security (perceived security, but objective insecurity).
- Insecurity (neither objective nor subjective security).

Dimensions of Security Analysis

Who: The subject of security analysis (actor, object).
What: Core values or assets to be protected.
How: Methods, resources, or policies to secure the "what".

Realist View on Security – Cold War Paradigm

Focus: Political-military considerations.
Negative definition: Security as the absence of significant military threats.
State-centric: State as actor and object.
Core value: State survival.
Divisible security: States build security independently.
Static security: Security viewed as a zero-sum game (security dilemma).

Modifications to Realist View During the Cold War

1973 Oil Crisis: Economy is crucial to security.
Complex Interdependence Theory: Transnational and non-military factors in security are highlighted.
Ecological Concerns: Introduced the limits of growth and redefining security.

Post-Cold War Views on Security

Widening scope: Non-military dimensions and new referent objects are considered.
Internationalization: Interconnectedness of security and common security becomes important.
Subjectivity: Security is seen as perception, not just an objective state.
Traditional realist views remain influential but less dominant

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Description

Explore the fundamental concepts and classifications in security studies. This quiz covers key distinctions such as national vs. international security and the differences between negative and positive security. Delve into various security typologies essential for understanding the field of International Relations.