Security Studies Overview

The absence of threats against a state's core interests.

The assurance of safety and well-being for a state, often through proactive measures.

A state's ability to survive and protect its core values and interests.

The concept that security is not a zero-sum game, and states can cooperate to enhance their mutual security.

The idea that threats to a state's security can come from both internal and external sources.

Security related to the international system and involving external threats.

A perception of safety and security that might not reflect reality.

The actual, factual security of a state based on measurable factors.

Terrorism driven by a desire for independence or autonomy based on ethnicity or national identity.

Replacing centralized leadership with interconnected cells that operate independently for increased resilience and flexibility.

Terrorist groups working together across borders for recruitment, funding, or planning operations.

The preferred method for achieving goals is to inflict as many casualties and widespread destruction as possible.

Terrorism driven by the belief in the supremacy of a particular interpretation of Islam, often seeking a global Islamic state.

The belief in a universal Islamic identity that transcends national and ethnic boundaries, uniting diverse groups.

Terrorism motivated by ethnic nationalism or separatist ideologies, often with geographically focused aims.

Terrorist groups that rely on public support and often employ similar tactics to those used by insurgents.

A school of thought in International Relations (IR) that emphasizes the role of ideas, norms, and identities in shaping security.

The process of defining an issue as a security threat through speech acts and political discourse. This can create a sense of urgency and demand for action.

A strategy that involves leveraging differences in capabilities and tactics to gain an advantage over an opponent. It's about thinking and acting differently to exploit weaknesses.

The use of unconventional methods and tactics by weaker actors to challenge stronger adversaries. These tactics can include terrorism, irregular warfare, and the use of asymmetric weapons.

A type of asymmetric threat where a non-state actor utilizes unconventional methods and tactics to challenge a state or powerful actor.

The Copenhagen School's model of security, which divides security into five sectors: political, military, economic, ecological, and societal (cultural).

The idea that security issues can exist at different levels: the supranational (groups of states), national (state), and sub-/transnational (individuals and groups).

The direct harm caused by criminal activities themselves, such as drug trafficking or money laundering.

The indirect effects of illicit revenues on governments and society, such as fueling corruption or weakening state institutions.

The long-term negative consequences that accumulate over time, harming economies and social systems.

TOC groups often focus on evading law enforcement rather than altering political systems.

The impact of TOC affects economic, political, and social systems, viewed mostly as a non-military threat.

The country where the criminal group originates.

The country where the criminal group primarily operates or markets its activities.

The country that acts as a transit point for trafficking routes.

The illegal production and distribution of drugs, often encompassing both natural and synthetic substances. It's recognized as a major global criminal activity, generating substantial revenue.

This includes the production, processing, and manufacturing of illegal drugs, often in regions like Afghanistan for opiates or Colombia for cocaine.

This refers to the illegal trade of people for forced labour, sex exploitation, or other forms of exploitation. Often involves illegal migration and coercion.

These crimes encompass a range of illegal activities, including fraud, counterfeiting, and tax evasion, often linked to other forms of organized crime.

This category involves the trafficking of stolen goods, luxury items, and counterfeit products, all of which have illegal origins or violate intellectual property rights.

This refers to the illegal trade of weapons, often by states or state actors. It can involve both conventional and unconventional weapons.

These are weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) that have the potential to cause large-scale destruction and devastation. They include nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons.

This refers to weapons that utilize radioactive materials to cause harm, either through deliberate detonation or by dispersing radioactive substances. Examples include dirty bombs and radioactive exposure devices.

The use of biological, chemical, radiological, or nuclear (CBRN) weapons by individuals or groups for violent or destructive purposes.

The initial acquisition and control of WMDs by individuals or groups, involving challenges related to the complexity of their production.

The safe and reliable movement and storage of WMDs, with special considerations for radioactive materials.

The dispersal or use of WMDs, considering factors like target selection, delivery methods, and environmental conditions.

The deliberate use of biological agents (e.g., anthrax spores) to harm individuals or cause widespread disease.

The use of chemical compounds to cause harm, ranging from irritating agents to highly toxic substances.

The intentional release or dispersal of radioactive materials with the goal of causing widespread harm.

The use of nuclear weapons, the most devastating form of WMD, with the potential for widespread destruction and long-term consequences.