The changing concepts of security
At the core of new thinking on security is the desire
for economic well-being or economic security. This aspiration is central these days to the preponderant number of people in a nation state
M Mizanur Rahman
The traditional concepts of security have undergone sea changes . Previously, security for a state was identified mainly with military security and this fallacy was gradually proved to nation states by developments at the international, regional and local levels during the last three decade or so.
For instance, the former Soviet Union was an awesome military power and erroneously it used to be thought that members of the Soviet Union were very secure due to this military might. But from the eighties it became apparent that the Soviet Union was hardly secure as a political or federated entity because of the suppression of the rising nationalistic sentiments among its federating units and the unmet economic aspirations of its people.
The ordinary people of Russia were more and more unconvinced by orthodox communist doctrines. This was an outcome of the worldwide communication revolution that enabled visions of high standards of living of common people in other non-communist countries to become evident to Russian people. Thus, the Russians and other members of the former Soviet Union did not require an external physical invasion to destroy the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union dismembered and experienced a metamorphosis mainly from within with an external stimulus.
The example of the Soviet Union is stated to underline that nowadays the conventional ideas of security through military might, military blocks, etc., are largely taking a back seat to newer ideas of individual and collective security reflected in the establishment of democratic political system, greater economic cooperation, stepped up regional trade, intensified inter-state dialogues, etc. At the core of new thinking of security is that the desire for economic well-being or economic security is central to the preponderant number of people in a nation state. This is their deepest longing.
Therefore, governments should essentially endeavour to provide that security. Besides, the absence of economic well being generates unstable conditions from the discontent of the population within a states borders. Refugees from economic reasons or beakdown of order tend to spill over such people into adjoining countries giving rise to political and social problems. Economically insecure states can turn xenophobic in their behaviour and even to international crimes out of a false notion of earning their needs. North Korea is an example of it today. Thus, democratic governance, economic progress and aiding transnational economic and political cooperation can help a state to attain secure conditions for itself and its neighbours.
Confidence building measures are best aided by a frame of mind of all players to be eager always to have inter-state dialogue at various levels. The value of such continuous dialogue is that the same encourages mutual better understanding and appreciation of bilateral and common problems, the dissipation of hardened attitudes, flexibility in policies and hence the warding off of confrontation like behaviour.
South Asia today is still a v stressed region in relation to its security. It had its long-standing security problems such as the confrontation between India and Pakistan over Kashmir, their going nuclear and warlike postures. The Afghanistan situation and the intrusion of US forces in Pakistan have heightened security apprehensions in the region. The fallout of the conflict over Afghanistan could affect the South Asian region adversely and unexpectedly. Bangladesh, located at a geographically important position in the region, needs to keep very sharp vigil over the fast changing security conditions in the subcontinental area and in the world in general. It should contribute all its diplomatic mite to keep South Asia united politically in relation to the major security issues facing it. It must promote intensified dialogue between itself and its neighbours and between the countries of the region and the world to this end.
The writer is engaged in post graduate studies at the Department of International Relations, Dhaka University
