Introduction:
Security in international relations is about protecting the survival of a state or society
from threats. Within this framework, traditional security focuses on military threats and
the defense of the state. Over time, the concept has broadened into non-traditional
security, which addresses other serious challenges like terrorism, pandemics,
environmental disasters, and economic crises that can also threaten the survival or
stability of people and societies.
Definition:
Barry Buzan (1991): Defined it as the "ability of states and societies to maintain their
independent identity and their functional integrity"
Walter Lippmann (1943): "A nation has security when it does not have to sacrifice its
legitimate interests to avoid war and is able, if challenged, to maintain them by war"
What is security?:
In international relations, security mainly means survival. An issue becomes a security
issue when it is presented as an existential threat, meaning a serious danger to the
existence of a particular referent object—usually the state (its government, territory, and
people), but sometimes other groups or systems as well. When something is labeled as
a security threat, it is treated as an emergency situation, which allows leaders to take
special or extraordinary actions, such as using force or gaining extra powers, even if
these go beyond normal political rules. This process shows that security is not just
about real dangers, but also about how problems are described and understood. What
counts as a serious threat can be different depending on the situation and the sector
(like military, political, economic, societal, or environmental).
traditional security:
Traditional security is a state-centered concept based on realist ideas, especially from
thinkers like Hans Morgenthau. Its main goal is to protect the state’s sovereignty,
borders, and power, mainly through military strength. In this view, the state is the most
important actor, and security policies are made to protect national interests rather than
individual needs.
This idea was most important during the Cold War, when global security depended on
balance of power, arms race, and rivalry between superpowers like the United States
and the Soviet Union. It includes key concepts such as anarchy (no central authority),
self-help (states depend on themselves), security dilemma (one state’s defense creates
fear in others), and absolute sovereignty, meaning each state is responsible for its own
survival.
However, traditional security mainly focuses on military threats and assumes that if the
state is safe, people are also safe. Because of this, it often ignores important issues like
poverty, environmental problems, terrorism, and economic instability, which directly
affect human lives. After the Cold War, these non-military issues became more
important, leading to a broader understanding of security beyond just military power..
Non traditional security : Non-Traditional Security (Easy but Full Explanation with
Examples)
Non-traditional security is a modern approach to security that focuses not only on the
state, but also on the safety and well-being of people. Unlike traditional security, it
emphasizes non-military threats that affect daily life.
This idea became more important after the end of the Cold War, when it became clear
that military power alone cannot ensure real security. It was strongly promoted by
organizations like the United Nations Development Programme, especially through the
concept of human security.
In non-traditional security, the main focus is on individuals and society, not just the state.
It also involves many actors, such as international organizations, NGOs, and
communities—not only governments.
This approach deals with a wide range of problems, including:
Poverty and economic insecurity: For example, millions of people in countries like
Bangladesh face hunger and lack of jobs, which threatens their safety and well-being.
Terrorism and transnational crime: Groups like Al-Qaeda or drug cartels affect security
across borders.
Environmental issues like climate change: Rising sea levels threaten small island
nations like Maldives, and increasing floods or droughts disrupt millions of lives.
Natural disasters: Earthquakes in Nepal or cyclones in Philippines show how disasters
can cause major insecurity.
Health threats like COVID-19: The pandemic demonstrated that diseases can threaten
millions globally, regardless of national military strength.
Food and water shortages: Water scarcity in regions like Somalia or food crises in parts
of Yemen show that basic needs are critical to human security.
Non-traditional security recognizes that these issues can seriously harm human life,
sometimes even more than war. It also highlights that many of these threats are global
and interconnected, meaning they cannot be solved by one country alone.
Overall, non-traditional security takes a broader, human-centered view, aiming to create
a safer and more stable life for people in all aspects—not just protection from military
Security
Difference Between Traditional and Non-Traditional Security
1. Main Focus
Traditional Security: The main focus is on the state itself—its borders, sovereignty, and
political independence. Security is about protecting the country from threats that can
harm it as a nation.
Example: During the Cold War, the United States and the Soviet Union focused on
protecting their countries from each other.
Non-Traditional Security: The main focus is on people and society. Security is about
protecting individuals from threats that affect their daily lives, even if the country as a
whole is safe.
Example: Ensuring people have food, clean water, and protection from diseases like
COVID-19.
2. Type of Threats
Traditional Security: Deals mainly with military threats, such as war, invasions, or
attacks from other countries.
Example: Wars between India and Pakistan, or the arms race during the Cold War.
Non-Traditional Security: Deals with non-military threats that can still seriously harm
people’s lives. These include poverty, terrorism, climate change, pandemics, and natural
disasters.
Example: Floods in Bangladesh or droughts in Somalia affecting millions of people.
3. Main Actor
Traditional Security: The state (government) is the only main actor. Security depends
entirely on the country’s own military and policies.
Example: During World War II, countries relied on their armies to protect themselves.
Non-Traditional Security: Multiple actors are involved, not just the government. This
includes international organizations, NGOs, communities, and individuals.
Example: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) helping countries
respond to poverty or health crises.
4. Time Period / Importance
Traditional Security: Dominant during the Cold War era (1947–1991), when military
confrontation and balance of power between superpowers defined global security.
Example: The nuclear arms race between the US and USSR.
Non-Traditional Security: Became important after the Cold War, when it became clear
that military power alone could not ensure real security for people.
Example: Global focus on climate change and pandemics in the 21st century.
5. Key Idea
Traditional Security: The assumption is “If the state is safe, people are safe.” Protecting
the country automatically ensures human safety.
Example: During the Cold War, leaders assumed strong military protection guaranteed
citizens’ security.
Non-Traditional Security: Even if the state is strong, people can still be insecure
because of social, environmental, or economic problems.
Example: People suffering from famine or disease in a country that is militarily strong.
6. Examples
Traditional Security: War, arms race, border conflicts, and nuclear buildup.
Example: The US-Soviet Cold War arms race.
Non-Traditional Security: Climate change, pandemics, economic crises, terrorism, and
natural disasters.
Example: COVID-19 pandemic, Cyclone Amphan in India and Bangladesh, or droughts
in East Africa.
7. Theoretical Base
Traditional Security: Based on realist theory, which emphasizes power, military strength,
and national interest.
Example: Hans Morgenthau’s ideas on realism, focusing on state survival.
Non-Traditional Security: Based on human security and broader approaches, focusing
on well-being, social development, and human rights.
Example: The UNDP’s Human Development Reports emphasizing health, education,
and environmental security..