How do the political agendas of countries threaten the national security of others?

How do the
political agendas of countries threaten the national security of others?

Introduction

Political ideologies have long been central to the dynamics of international security, significantly
shaping the actions of powerful nations and non-state actors alike. These ideological
differences, often deeply rooted in the socio-economic conditions of countries or groups,
profoundly influence how they perceive and respond to opposing beliefs. The consequences of
these ideological clashes can be severe, leading to large-scale invasions, the funding of
conflicts, genocides, and revolutions. This essay explores how differing political ideologies
threaten international security, focusing on key global and regional powers.

Cause & Consequence

There are a multitude of reasons as to why countries’ allegiances and agendas may affect the
national security of other countries. Countries have invasive practices with ideal intentions and
the result of these actions may threaten the national security of other countries in order to
combat and keep peace. An example of this is the USA’s airstrikes in Syria and Iraq. In an
attempt to combat terrorism, the USA conducted airstrikes in the regions of Syria and Iraq. This
would result in a violation of Syria and Iraq’s national security as well as result in casualties. The
USA’s agenda to combat terrorism by conducting airstrikes resulted in a consequence of civilian
casualties. This clearly demonstrates that although the intent and the cause of such agendas
are an attempt at peacekeeping, they still can result in invasive practices.

Furthermore, you also have countries expanding through trade. Trade is something that can
substantially affect other nations and their development. Countries can almost weaponise their
exports in the case that they have large amounts of exports to be sold. Countries can do this by
making other countries dependent on their exports and affecting their development. Not only
would this stunt the growth of nations taking these imports,

Global perspectives

USA

The USA's agenda towards protecting international security is rather intimidating. This is only
further emphasised through the USA’s power through means of international political power,
weaponisation and nuclear armament. The USA’s invasion of places such as Syria and Iraq are
very clear exercises of power on the USA’s part. Many civilians were killed in the airstrike
campaign led by the USA which can be debated as both unjust and unnecessary. This
campaign along with other examples of the US’s warfare tactics are a threat to the national
security of other countries. Should the USA not face any repercussions considering the damage
they have done towards such countries?

The United States has arguably been most influential in shaping global security. With its vast
nuclear arsenal, strong counterterrorism stance, and formidable military, the U.S. has not only
safeguarded its security but has also had a significant impact on the security dynamics of other
nations. As a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council with veto power, the
U.S. wields considerable influence in international affairs. This is evident in its leadership of
coalitions against terrorist organisations such as ISIS, where it conducted airstrikes in Syria and
Iraq (US Department of Defense), demonstrating its commitment to combating global terrorism.
In the name of combatting global terrorism and other national security threats, the USA uses its
vast military arsenal to influence, control and infiltrate the national security of other countries.

In addition to its military might, the U.S. strongly advocates for democracy, believing that
democratic governance fosters religious freedom, human rights, and stable governments, all of
which contribute to global peace (U.S. Department of State). The U.S. employs a variety of
tools to promote democracy worldwide, including bilateral diplomacy, multilateral engagements
(such as the QUAD), and foreign assistance. Through these efforts, the U.S. supports those
striving for freedom and democratic governance, which it views as essential for maintaining
international security.

USA strategies revolve around financial and warfare supremacy to safeguard its citizens from
potential catastrophes. In a globally networked world, it is achieved through policies and allies.
For example, after Ukraine's invasion by Russia, the USA enforced multiple financial sanctions
against Russian enterprises with its allies partners including the European Union, Australia,
Japan, United Kingdom etc. By targeting their action on Russia’s financial institutions it froze
any assets held in the above countries resulting in

China

China is a global superpower that tends to use its grasp on the international economy to control
the growth of developing countries through exports. This is unethical considering countries will
become dependent on China to develop their economies and infrastructures. China also poses
a threat to other nations’ territories although they haven't taken any action with these interests.
These are clear examples of how China’s agendas can influence the national security of other
smaller nations such as the countries in East Africa.

China, another major global power, significantly impacts international security, though its
approach differs markedly from that of the United States. China poses active threats through its
military expansion, regional disputes, and the potential for nuclear armament. Ongoing conflicts
with neighbouring nations, including India, Taiwan, and the United States, as well as territorial
disputes with countries such as Vietnam and Japan, make China a formidable security threat on
the global stage. The active border disputes between China and its neighbours display China’s
expansive nature(“China’s Influence in South Asia: Vulnerabilities and Resilience in Four
Countries”).

China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), launched in 2013, is a key aspect of its global strategy.
This initiative aims to enhance connectivity and cooperation across continents, involving
approximately 71 countries(World Bank). The BRI has significant implications for global
economic security, as China’s growing dominance in global markets allows it to exert
considerable influence over the trade policies of other nations. For example, China’s role as
Africa's largest trading partner (Albert) and source of foreign direct investment has been
criticised as exploitative, reflecting the complex and often controversial nature of China's global
economic ambitions.

Russia

Russia represents another critical factor in the discussion of international security, particularly in
Europe. Russia has consistently undermined the norms and principles that have contributed to a
stable European security order, making it a significant threat to NATO allies. Russia's aggressive
actions in Ukraine, including the illegal annexation of Crimea, led NATO to suspend all practical
civilian and military cooperation with Russia in 2014, although diplomatic channels remain
open(NATO). This situation underscores how alliances and geopolitical allegiances can
significantly impact international peace and security.

Despite facing setbacks, such as its inability to capture Kyiv or occupy a major portion of
Ukraine, Russia has persisted in its attempts to annex regions like Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk,
and Zaporizhzhia (Pifer). These actions are a clear violation of Ukraine's territorial integrity and
sovereignty and are inconsistent with the principles outlined in the United Nations Charter.
Russia's ongoing actions in Ukraine highlight the continued relevance of ideological conflicts in
shaping international security dynamics.

National perspective

India, known as Bharat, plays a crucial role in the international arena with its unique political
ideology. As a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic with a parliamentary system of
government, India's federal structure includes some unitary features, reflecting a blend of
central and regional governance (“The Future of Democracy in India”). India's deepening
engagement with the United Nations is a testament to its steadfast commitment to
multilateralism and dialogue, which it views as essential for achieving shared global goals. India
focuses on many global challenges, including peacebuilding, sustainable development, poverty
eradication, climate change, terrorism, disarmament, and more.

India also strongly advocates for comprehensive reforms of international institutions, particularly
the United Nations Security Council, to make them more representative and effective in
addressing contemporary global issues. This reflects India's belief in the importance of
international cooperation and its commitment to playing a leading role in global governance.

Because of India's current government’s anti-Muslim agenda, it faces multiple threats from its
neighbours including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan etc. India faces disputes over borders
between its neighbours and also faces a national security threat from China. India’s growing
military power and its influence on relations with the USA and Russia is considered a major
threat by the other nations.

Post-Ukraine war, European leaders have criticized India's import of Russian oil (“The Future of
Democracy in India”), this can also be a national security threat if the EU were to act upon this
information through sanctions on exports and imports to India.

Course of action

I believe that there should be further international regulation regarding trade relations, bilateral
relations and multi-lateral relations. These relationships between countries can be regulated by
large international dispute organizations like the UN. Large international organisation disputes
can intervene and be unbiased when nations go against a covenant of that organisation. Not
only would doing this regulate national security threats caused by other nations, but it would
also encourage nations to act more responsibly and less manipulatively in regard towards their
agendas. If nations were to recognize such regulations consistently and follow suit, the
regulations would prevent misuse of international relations, trade and invasions.

Evaluation of sources

My sources have been mainly from unbiased organizations such as the UNSC and other
government organizations. This is because my sources are from international organizations that
prioritize international cooperation and collaboration among nations and have to ensure that
they do not spread misinformation for legal purposes.

Conclusion

Political ideologies significantly influence international security, shaping the actions of powerful
nations. The USA, with its vast military and political influence, often intervenes in global
conflicts, such as in Syria and Iraq, but faces criticism for its invasive tactics and unnecessary
airstrikes. While promoting democracy as a foundation for global peace, its actions often
destabilize other nations. China, a rising superpower, uses economic dominance, particularly
through initiatives like the Belt and Road, to exert influence over developing nations. Alongside
its economic strategies, China’s territorial disputes with neighbouring countries pose a serious
security threat. Russia, meanwhile, continues to challenge European security with its aggressive
actions in Ukraine, disregarding international norms and violating Ukraine’s sovereignty.
India, a key player in South Asia, faces threats from neighbouring countries like Pakistan and
China due to its growing military power and complex political ideologies. India's anti-Muslim
domestic agenda and its import of Russian oil have also drawn international criticism. To
address these threats, a course of action is proposed, advocating for international regulation of
trade and diplomatic relations through unbiased organizations like the UN. Such regulation
would encourage nations to act responsibly and prevent manipulative or aggressive behaviour,
ultimately enhancing global security.