National Security Concerns PDF

Republic of the Philippines Sorsogon State University NATIONAL SERVICE TRAINING PROGRAM Magsaysay Street, Salog (Pob.), Sorsogon City, Sorsogon Tel. No.; 056 211-0103 loc. 105; Email Address: [email protected]...

Republic of the Philippines Sorsogon State University NATIONAL SERVICE TRAINING PROGRAM Magsaysay Street, Salog (Pob.), Sorsogon City, Sorsogon Tel. No.; 056 211-0103 loc. 105; Email Address: [email protected] TOPIC : NATIONAL SECURITY CONCERNS National Security 1. Security of people, not just territory -National security is no longer just about defending borders and maintaining territorial integrity; it is about protecting the well-being of the people who live within those borders 2. Security of individuals, not just nations -Traditional national security frameworks often emphasize the protection of the state or government institutions, but there has been a growing recognition of the need to focus on the security of individuals (human security) 3. Security through development, not through arms. - The idea of achieving security through development instead of solely relying on military might recognizes that sustainable peace and stability come from addressing the root causes of insecurity, rather than just responding to the symptoms through force. Recognizes that addressing poverty, inequality, environmental degradation, and lack of opportunity is essential to building a more peaceful and secure world. It is about shifting the focus from militarization to creating the conditions where conflict, extremism, and instability cannot easily take root. THREATS TO NATIONAL SECURITY can encompass a broad range of dangers that affect a nation’s sovereignty, stability, and well-being. As part of the National Service Training Program (NSTP), understanding these threats is crucial for fostering national preparedness and resilience. 1.INTERNAL THREATS Insurgency and Internal Conflict (REBELLION) - Armed rebellions or separatist movements seeking to challenge or overthrow the government. These lead to prolonged violence, human rights abuses, and displacement of communities, disrupting national development. Terrorism - Violent acts carried out by extremist groups or individuals to instill fear and destabilize societies. It can lead to significant loss of life, damage to property, and disruption of societal functions. Terrorism also breeds fear and division within populations. Criminal Activities - Domestic organized crime syndicates involved in activities like drug trafficking, illegal arms sales, human trafficking, and smuggling. These activities undermine law and order, fuel corruption, and weaken governance. Political Instability and Civil Unrest - Protests, strikes, or large- scale demonstrations that can escalate into violence and political crises. Civil unrest can disrupt economic activities, affect governance, and destabilize the government. NSTP-CWTS 1 Prepared by: Mary Rose B. Lacdang. NSTP Faculty  Corruption - Widespread corruption in government institutions undermines public trust and weakens the state’s ability to maintain law and order. Corruption facilitates organized crime, weakens economic development, and erodes the rule of law. Extreme poverty and unequal distribution of resources can lead to unrest, crime, and a rise in insurgencies. Discontent among the population due to lack of opportunities and resources can spark internal conflict. Severe Calamities - Such as natural disasters including typhoons, earthquakes, floods, volcanic eruptions, and landslides—pose significant internal threats to national security. These calamities can severely disrupt social, economic, and political stability, challenging the government's capacity to protect and provide for its citizens Health Crisis -Outbreaks of diseases or pandemics that strain the nation’s healthcare system and economy. Large-scale health crises can destabilize communities, leading to panic and social breakdowns. Environmental Degradation -The depletion of natural resources, deforestation, and pollution can lead to internal migration and resource conflicts. Environmental stress can displace populations and increase the potential for conflicts over land and water. 2. EXTERNAL THREATS External threats are dangers that originate from outside the country, often involving foreign actors or global events that can endanger national security. Foreign Invasion or Aggression - Direct military attacks or aggression by another country seeking to occupy or control parts of the nation. Examples: Military invasions, border skirmishes, and occupation by foreign forces. Terrorism (International) - Acts of terrorism perpetrated by foreign groups or individuals, often linked to global terrorist organizations. Examples: Bombings, cyberattacks, or violent acts orchestrated by foreign extremist groups like ISIS or Al-Qaeda. Cyberattacks - Digital assaults launched by foreign governments, criminal groups, or hackers to disrupt critical infrastructure, steal sensitive information, or sow chaos. Cyberattacks can cripple financial systems, electricity grids, and communication networks, compromising national security. Foreign Espionage - Covert activities by foreign governments aimed at gathering intelligence, influencing national policies, or undermining national interests. Examples: Spying, information theft, or influencing elections through disinformation campaigns. Economic Warfare - Foreign nations or entities may seek to destabilize a country’s economy through sanctions, trade wars, or other financial measures. Economic attacks can weaken national industries, devalue the currency, and destabilize markets, affecting national security. Regional Conflicts - Ongoing conflicts in neighboring countries can spill over into domestic borders, leading to instability. Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs) - The spread of nuclear, biological, or chemical weapons by hostile states or terrorist groups. The use or threat of WMDs can destabilize entire regions, cause mass casualties, and create widespread fear. NSTP-CWTS 1 Prepared by: Mary Rose B. Lacdang. NSTP Faculty  Transnational Crime - Criminal activities that cross borders, such as drug and human trafficking, arms smuggling, and money laundering. CONCEPT OF HUMAN SECURITY AND NATIONAL SECURITY HUMAN SECURITY Human security emphasizes the protection of individuals from threats that affect their daily lives, such as poverty, disease, hunger, and violence. It is a people-centered approach to security. Key Aspects: Economic security, food security, health security, environmental security, personal security (protection from violence), community security (protection of cultural identities), and political security (ensuring human rights and political freedoms). NATIONAL SECURITY National security traditionally focuses on safeguarding a nation-state from external and internal threats that could undermine its sovereignty, stability, and integrity. It often emphasizes military defense, territorial integrity, and protecting the government and institutions. Now, it also refers to protection from sudden and hurtful disruptions in the patterns of daily life. Key Aspects: Military defense, counterterrorism, protection of critical infrastructure, cybersecurity, and foreign policy. Relationship between Human Security and National Security While human security and national security may seem distinct, they are interconnected, and threats to one often impact the other. A holistic security approach recognizes that national security is incomplete without addressing human security concerns, and vice versa. 1. Human Security as a Foundation of National Security Human security ensures the safety and well-being of individuals, which in turn creates a stable and cohesive society. Without addressing human security, social unrest, poverty, and inequality can lead to internal conflicts, weakening national security. When people feel secure in terms of food, health, education, and personal safety, they are less likely to support extremist groups, rebellions, or criminal activities that can destabilize the nation. 2. National Security Supports Human Security National security ensures that the nation is safe from foreign aggression, terrorism, and cyberattacks, all of which directly threaten human lives and livelihoods. National defense mechanisms protect the country’s population from these dangers. National security helps maintain the rule of law, political stability, and governance, which are critical for ensuring human security. A stable government can provide essential services like healthcare, education, and social welfare. National security institutions, such as the military and police, often play crucial roles in responding to natural disasters, pandemics, and crises. These responses are critical to maintaining human security during emergencies. THREATS TO HUMAN SECURITY 1. ECONOMIC SECURITY It refers to the protection of individuals and communities from economic risks, ensuring access to stable employment, fair wages, and opportunities NSTP-CWTS 1 Prepared by: Mary Rose B. Lacdang. NSTP Faculty  for growth and development. It involves creating conditions where people can meet their basic needs without fear of economic hardship. 2. FOOD SECURITY It means that all people, at all times, have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs for an active and healthy life. People need the resources to buy or produce their own food. Poverty, income inequality, and price inflation can prevent individuals from having access to enough food. 3. HEALTH SECURITY It refers to protecting populations from serious health threats such as diseases, pandemics, and biological attacks, while ensuring access to adequate healthcare services. 4. ENVIRONMENTAL SECURITY It refers to the protection of natural resources and ecosystems that support human life, including air, water, land, and biodiversity, as well as mitigating environmental degradation and the impacts of climate change. 5. PERSONAL SECURITY It involves protecting individuals from physical violence, crime, human rights abuses, and other forms of harm. It includes freedom from fear of harm in everyday life. 6. POLITICAL SECURITY It refers to the protection of people’s rights and freedoms, and ensuring that political systems and institutions are stable, transparent, and accountable. HUMAN SECURITY AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Human security ensures the safety and well-being of individuals, which in turn creates a stable and cohesive society. Without addressing human security, social unrest, poverty, and inequality can lead to internal conflicts, weakening national security. Human security and national security are complementary and interdependent. For long-term peace and stability, governments must ensure that both individuals and the nation as a whole are protected. Addressing human security needs strengthens national security by creating resilient, peaceful, and prosperous societies, while national security efforts safeguard the country’s territorial integrity and protect its citizens from external threats. NATIONAL SECURITY AND THE DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL DEFENSE (DND) The Department of National Defense is a pivotal institution in maintaining national security. Its responsibilities span from military defense and disaster response to managing internal security and fostering international defense cooperation. Through its agencies, the DND ensures that both military and civil defense structures are in place to protect the nation from various threats, both traditional and emerging, thereby ensuring the country's peace, sovereignty, and resilience. The main function of the Department of National Defense is to formulate policies, implement plans, and manage resources related to national defense and security. It is responsible for protecting the nation from both external and internal threats. AGENCIES UNDER THE DND 1. Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP): The military body responsible for external defense and internal security. NSTP-CWTS 1 Prepared by: Mary Rose B. Lacdang. NSTP Faculty  2. Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO): Provides assistance and benefits to veterans and their families. 3. Government Arsenal: Responsible for manufacturing and procuring defense equipment and munitions. 4. Office of Civil Defense (OCD): Coordinates disaster preparedness and response, and civil defense activities. 5. National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP): Provides advanced studies on defense and security to military and civilian leaders. CONCLUSION National security is not only about protecting borders and institutions; it is also about creating a safe, just, and resilient society where individuals can thrive, free from fear and deprivation. Therefore, addressing national security concerns requires a comprehensive and integrated strategy that prioritizes both the protection of the state and the well-being of its people. NSTP-CWTS 1 Prepared by: Mary Rose B. Lacdang. NSTP Faculty