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ABDULLAH ROOMI
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16 views

Assignment IR

Uploaded by

ABDULLAH ROOMI
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Non Traditional

Security Threats

Abdullah Saeed

9th September, 2023

21L-1819
Introduction:
In the rapidly evolving global landscape, traditional notions of security have expanded beyond
military concerns to encompass a broad array of non-traditional security threats. These threats,
often transnational in nature, challenge the stability and well-being of states in unprecedented
ways. International Relations (IR) scholars and practitioners are increasingly focusing on
understanding and addressing these non-traditional security threats. This essay will delve into
various non-traditional security threats faced by states, exploring their origins, impacts, and
potential strategies for effective management.

I. Environmental Degradation and Climate Change:


Origins: Climate change primarily stems from human activities such as burning fossil fuels,
deforestation, and industrial processes, resulting in increased greenhouse gas emissions.

Impacts: Climate change leads to extreme weather events, rising sea levels, disruptions in
agriculture, and loss of biodiversity. These impacts can result in food and water scarcity,
displacement of populations, economic losses, and heightened vulnerability to natural disasters.

Management Strategies: International cooperation through agreements like the Paris Agreement
is crucial. States need to transition to sustainable energy sources, implement stringent
environmental policies, and invest in climate adaptation and mitigation strategies.

II. Pandemics and Health Security:


Origins: Pandemics typically originate from zoonotic diseases or infections crossing from animals
to humans. Factors such as global travel and population density exacerbate their spread.

Impacts: Pandemics affect public health, strain healthcare systems, disrupt economies, and may
lead to social unrest due to fear and uncertainty.

Management Strategies: Early detection, coordinated international responses, investment in


public health infrastructure, and information dissemination are key strategies. Global cooperation
in vaccine distribution and equitable access to healthcare are vital components of managing
health security.

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III. Cybersecurity Threats:
Origins: Cyber threats originate from malicious actors like hackers, cybercriminals, or
state-sponsored entities exploiting vulnerabilities in digital systems.

Impacts: Cyberattacks can lead to data breaches, disruption of critical services, financial losses,
and erosion of public trust in digital systems.

Management Strategies: Robust cybersecurity measures, international agreements on cyber


norms, public-private partnerships, and capacity building to enhance cybersecurity skills are
critical strategies to manage this threat.

IV. Terrorism and Transnational Crime:


Origins: Terrorism often arises from ideological, political, or social grievances. Transnational crime
involves illegal activities across borders, such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, and arms
smuggling.

Impacts: Terrorism and transnational crime can destabilize societies, create fear, hamper
development, and undermine state authority.

Management Strategies: Comprehensive approaches involving intelligence sharing, international


cooperation, addressing root causes of terrorism, and strengthening law enforcement and judicial
systems are key strategies for countering terrorism and transnational crime.

V. Humanitarian Crises and Forced Migration:


Origins: Humanitarian crises can arise from armed conflicts, natural disasters, or political
instability, forcing people to flee their homes.

Impacts: Forced migration strains host countries' resources, creates social tensions, and presents
challenges related to providing shelter, healthcare, and livelihoods.

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Management Strategies: International cooperation, providing humanitarian aid, addressing root
causes, ensuring access to education and healthcare for refugees, and fostering stability and
peace are crucial strategies.

VI. Food and Water Security:


Origins: Food and water security challenges result from population growth, changing dietary
patterns, climate change, and unequal distribution of resources.

Impacts: Food and water scarcity can lead to malnutrition, social unrest, and conflicts over
resources.

Management Strategies: Sustainable agricultural practices, efficient water management,


investments in technology and infrastructure, and equitable resource distribution are vital
strategies to ensure food and water security.

Conclusion:
Addressing these non-traditional security threats necessitates a holistic approach that integrates
policy, international collaboration, resource allocation, and technological advancements. States
must recognize the interdependence of their security and well-being with the global community,
and act in concert to build a more secure and sustainable world. Cooperation, diplomacy, and
innovation will be key in navigating these complex challenges in the realm of International
Relations.

References:
IDSA. (n.d.). Non-Traditional Security. Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses. Retrieved from
https://www.idsa.in/askanexpert/non-traditionalsecurity

WHO Reports & Publications

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