Non-traditional Security Threats Research Articles

Non-Traditional Security Threats in Shaping Civil-Military Relations in Nepal

The concept of security has expanded beyond traditional military threats to encompass various non-traditional security challenges. The security, stability, and defense of a nation are significantly influenced by its armed forces. However, the military entities do not operate in isolation; they are an integral part of the larger society they serve. Throughout history, military institutions have not only been responsible for safeguarding a nation’s security but also played a pivotal role in shaping societal values, norms, and cohesion. The practical realm of interactions between civilians and the military encompasses both direct and indirect engagements that ordinary individuals and institutions have with the armed forces which involves discussions within legislative bodies regarding the allocation of funds, regulations, and the utilization of the military, as well as intricate negotiations between civilian and military leaders aimed at shaping and executing national security policies. Drawing on existing literature and contextual analysis with a qualitative approach, this study provides a nuanced understanding of the intricate relationship between non-traditional security dynamics and civil-military interactions in Nepal. Commencing with an exploration of the concept of non-traditional security and its applicability within Nepal, this study identifies a spectrum of non-traditional security challenges confronting the nation. Furthermore, this paper explains the intricate interplay between non-traditional security issues and the evolution of civil-military relations in Nepal.

Fake news and disinformation in Southeast Asia: how should ASEAN respond?

Southeast Asian nations are vulnerable to fake news and disinformation due to the lack of digital literacy, growing dependence upon online platforms, and the non-democratic nature of ASEAN member states. ASEAN has agreed in the past years to decide, at the normative level, the importance of countering fake news and disinformation. However, it lacks a collective, regional approach. It is suggested that ASEAN define what fake news and disinformation consist of, elevation to a non-traditional security threat, and establishment of an ASEAN-centered fast-checking network as feasible policy options to counter fake news and disinformation in the region. In countering this sensitive issue, special attention is needed to consider ASEAN’s philosophical foundations of non-interference, non-intervention, and respect for sovereignty, which allows state practices of surveillance, legal prosecutions, firewalls, and censorships to be maintained.

New Developments in Geopolitics: A Reassessment of Theories after 2023

The scope of this article is to make a synthesis of the theory of geopolitics with new trends and characteristics of the new global environment. Traditional geopolitical theories are established on the basis of sovereign states. The starting point of many theories is for sovereign states to compete for world hegemony, or to gain an advantage in competition with their opponents. Geopolitical research also mostly starts from the interests of the country. However, as global environmental changes, transnational crimes, terrorism, information security, and other non-traditional security threats have become common threats to human society, their impact also crosses borders and has global characteristics, which also means solving geopolitical issues. Thinking needs to change from a national perspective to a global perspective. On the other hand, as the international community pays more and more attention to human rights, the challenge of human rights to sovereignty has become an unavoidable reality in current international politics. With the progress of the times, the protection and respect of civil rights has become the basic consensus of the international community. Nowadays, the issue of virtual rights such as carbon emission rights have also been included in the geopolitics theory, creating a strong shift of paradigm towards a renewed theory.

Religion (Islam) and International Relations: A Perspective

This article argues that religion (Islam) and international relations in the era of post-war globalization, have its own relevance and contextuality. So far, the international relations in the post-Cold War was marked by the rise of actors and issues. In the realm of actors, emerging non-state actors who perform various international relations practices both leading to cooperation and peace as well as toward conflict and conflict. The state is no longer a dominant actor although it remains the primary actor. In the realm of the issue, the concern of mankind is no longer focused on high politics in the form of matters of national security and military alone, but the issues that were originally included in the category of low politics were even more prominent. As an impact, disruption to international security and order is not a monopoly of the issue of national security. Non-traditional security threats such as environmental issues, the spread of disease, transnational crime and others, also threaten global peace. Conflicts of communal identity that are usually based on religion, ethnicity, race, clan, tribe, or other identity become one of the leading ones. And in such international situation, Islam is challenged to respond the complexities of today's international problems.

Rethinking Regional Security Paradigm: Non-Traditional Security Threats and the Role of Regional Dialogue in South Asia

Rethinking Regional Security Paradigm: Non-Traditional Security Threats and the Role of Regional Dialogue in South Asia

Non-Traditional Security Threats and NATO’s Response in the Contemporary Security Environment

Abstract This research paper emphasizes the importance of NATO’s adaptation to non-traditional threats in maintaining stability and security in the changing security environment. It highlights the need for NATO allies to prioritize the development of strategies and action plans that address emerging issues such as new technologies, energy security, climate change, hybrid threats, and cyber threats. The paper suggests that in order to effectively counter these non-traditional threats, NATO must remain current with the latest technological advancements. As such, the paper recommends that NATO allies develop new strategies and action plans without delay to counter these threats and ensure security. The relevance of NATO can only be ensured through its transformation and adaptation, which in turn makes its existence self-justified.

Securitizing Non-Traditional Security (NTS) Threats: China’s Track 2 Diplomacy in Southeast Asia

Abstract As China continues to strengthen its geopolitical status in Southeast Asia, it has expanded its foreign policy strategies to include track 2 diplomacy, which focuses on multilateral security dialogues and aims to support and strengthen official diplomacy. The existing literature on China’s track 2 diplomacy focuses on its effectiveness as a mechanism for conflict resolution, often overlooking the important question of how and why it became a foreign policy option for China. Using data drawn from key informant interviews, document analysis, and participant observation, this study examines specifically the role of non-traditional security (NTS) in the expansion of China’s track 2 diplomacy in Southeast Asia. From the lens of the securitization framework, this study argues that China’s track 2 diplomacy in Southeast Asia is, to a certain extent, a result of securitizing the NTS dimension of these issues. Moreover, while track 2 diplomacy functions as a mechanism to manage NTS threats, China has not completely abandoned its traditional security considerations. In fact, it views track 2 as instrumental in pursuing its wider political, security, and strategic goals. This study further explores the prospects and challenges for China’s track 2 diplomacy.

Searching common security in the Bay of Bengal

ABSTRACT The Bay of Bengal gained greater importance as an economic hub when the Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand – Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) initiative was established in 1997. Besides the promotion of trade and investment, security issues have also become a common concern for BIMSTEC members since 2005. In contrast to other regional organisations BIMSTEC member states share common perspectives of many non-traditional security threats. Even if regional solutions with all member states may be difficult to achieve this has opened the space for bilateral or mini-lateral initiatives mainly under India’s leadership. The BIMSTEC summit in 2022 has strengthened the institutional framework of the organisation that should help to tackle common security challenges.

Terrorism and Extremism as a Non-Traditional Security Threats in Post 9/11: Implications for Pakistan’s Society and Politics

Terrorism and Extremism as a Non-Traditional Security Threats in Post 9/11: Implications for Pakistan’s Society and Politics

Cooperation on Non-Traditional Security: India–Pakistan and the Locust Attack

The two nuclear-armed states of South Asia, India and Pakistan, besides being arch-rivals face common non-traditional security challenges. A recent example indicates that, despite having differences, they cooperated to successfully deal with the locust upsurge of 2019–2020. This study looks at why and how they arrived at joint efforts to thwart this non-traditional security threat. To set the context for this, it also explores the phases of the locust cycle and the reason why it constitutes a potential threat to the food security of both India and Pakistan. The study finds that the chances of cooperation between hostile states may increase if there are mutual threats in the non-traditional security realm. It further concludes that the chances of cooperation between the belligerent states increase if they are part of regional and international mechanisms to deal with the threats.

Integrating Air Assets for Augmenting Surveillance Capabilities of the Sri Lanka Coast Guard

Law enforcement at sea is of prime importance for an Island nation. At present Sri Lanka Coast Guard (SLCG) satisfies its aerial demands through Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) under various limitations causing a gap between the demand and supply of aerial surveillance requirements. Hence this exploratory qualitative study has followed a deductive approach, interpretivism philosophy, and grounded theory strategy to realize the objectives of determining the present status of the SLCG surveillance mechanism, determining how the air assets could be effectively integrated into the SLCG surveillance mechanism, and to study the impact of integrating air assets into the SLCG surveillance mechanism. A Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis resulted in strengths as already enacted act, experienced crew, and intention of authorities to integrate air assets into SLCG. Weaknesses were found to be a lack of naval assets, manpower, and the absence of air assets. Opportunities are the possible training opportunities, collaboration with the Sri Lanka Navy and SLAF, obtaining air assets through mutual cooperation, and leeway of integrating into a common maritime policy. Changing dynamics of non-traditional security threats, and geo-political implications due to inadequate presence and inadequate budget were identified as threats in SWOT analysis. Based on the outcome of the SWOT analysis, researchers came up with five recommendations such as formulating a framework for integrating air assets into SLCG, formulating a doctrine and Standard Operating Procedure for maritime-air operations of SLCG, developing a dialogue with SLAF for mutual cooperation and secondment of air and ground crew required for SLCG air operations, pursue diplomatic means for obtaining air assets and related training and finally conducting joint and multinational training and operations with local and international stakeholders. Therefore, strengthening SLCG capabilities and capacities by integrating air assets through a feasible framework in meeting its future operational demand is essential.

Impact of Non-Traditional Security Threats on Human Development Index: A Case Study of Pakistan

Non-traditional security threats negatively impact human development in developing countries like Pakistan. This study examines the impact of non-traditional security threats on Pakistan's Human Development Index (HDI) using data from 2016-2020. The study shows that non-traditional security threats, such as terrorism, natural disasters, and cybercrime, significantly reduce Pakistan's HDI. Compared to other countries facing similar non-traditional security threats, such as India and Bangladesh, Pakistan has a lower HDI ranking. Policymakers and practitioners must urgently address non-traditional security threats to promote human development. The study recommends a multi-faceted approach that includes improving security measures, strengthening disaster management systems, and promoting economic development. International cooperation and assistance can play a crucial role in addressing non-traditional security threats and promoting human development. The findings can inform policymakers and practitioners in designing effective policies and strategies to address non-traditional security threats and promote human development.

The Enigma of Balochistan’s Socio-Economic Deprivation and The Way Forward

The socio-economic deprivation of Balochistan negatively affects human development in the province, forming the nucleus of the structure of non-traditional security threats there. This article attempts to examine the impact of non-traditional security threats on provincial development of Balochistan as well as the implications of CPEC for regional geopolitics with a special focus on the causes of Balochistan’s economic slowdown and its economic revival. It employs an inductive-explanatory methodology to highlight the deprivation with some key applicable measures for betterment. It argues that non-traditional security threats, such as terrorism, natural hazards, the tribal system, political instability, and economic exploitation significantly reduce Balochistan’s development. Building on the available literature, it explores the province's state-led development initiatives, political processes, and political economy to highlight the gaps and suggest recommendations to concerned authorities for improvement. While emphasizing the need to address non-traditional security threats to promote provincial development as par with other provinces of Pakistan, this article recommends a multi-faceted approach, to be spearheaded by the federal government, to address the deprivation of Balochistan. Such an approach may include, among others, improving security measures, strengthening disaster management systems, and promoting economic development. The findings of this study can inform policymakers and practitioners in designing effective policies and strategies to address threats, promote growth, rectify internal weaknesses, and resolve mishandled antagonism which is exploited by external forces.

Regional Securitization of the ISIS in the Southeast Asian Counter-Terrorism Strategies for the Post-ISIS Era

In 2017, the United States of America declared the defeat of the ISIS's core territory. Since then, many analysts have argued that the group would threaten the security of several Southeast Asia regions. However, other analysts argued that the threat to the Southeast Asian (SEA) regions should not be exaggerated since it is not serious or critical. This raised the question of alternative regions for its thought and activists. This article critically analyzes the ISIS terrorist threats to SEA regional security in the post-ISIS era. It identifies the key challenges facing the SEA regional counter-terrorism strategies amid the new developments. A qualitative research approach has been adopted with thematic analysis methods in this article. Moreover, the Copenhagen schools' securitization and regional security complex theories have been used as a theoretical framework. Results show that to increase the states and community capacity to deal with this top non-traditional security threat, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and its member states continually adopt various initiatives, programs, policies, and strategies.

France–India Security Partnership: An Assessment of Dynamic Evolution

With France’s support to the Indian vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, defence industrialization and joint development, India and France have expanded their strategic security relations significantly. Such developments point towards convergence in matters of regional and global consequence. The first part of the article examines the historical background of military ties as well as cooperation on non-traditional security threats. The second part attempts to examine the evolving France–India relations in the wake of Chinese aggression along with their engagement in the Indo-Pacific region. The concluding third part extrapolates the findings on to the future to study the challenges to their partnership.

21. Yüzyılda ASEAN Bölgeselleşmesi: Topluluk İnşa Sürecinin Bir İncelemesi (2003-2015)

This study aims to analyze the main motivations that led the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to adopt a community-building goal in the political-security and economic fields, the content of the community goal, and the general situation in practice. The dynamics that led ASEAN to adopt the community goal were the fact that ASEAN remained weak in the face of regional problems in the 1990s and the will of the member states for a more comprehensive ASEAN cooperation. With the goals of the political-security and economic community, ASEAN aimed to ensure regional security, combat non-traditional security threats, eliminate the gap in economic development between member countries, and achieve economic liberalization. With the goal of community, ASEAN demonstrated a strong will to develop a common stance against regional problems and diversify cooperation areas. In practice, however, in the political-security field, ASEAN remained ineffective in the South China Sea and Preah Vihear disputes and failed to tackle non-traditional security threats comprehensively. On the other hand, in terms of economy, ASEAN achieved positive economic growth, decreased tariffs, and reduced the economic development gap between ASEAN-6 and Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar (VLCM). From this point of view, although there were problems in both areas of cooperation, this study concludes that in the community-building process, the economic field in the ASEAN regionalism was relatively more successful than in the political area.

Challenges and Opportunities to the Foreign Policy of Pakistan in the Contemporary Era

Pakistan came into existence in 1947 and faced plenty of challenges and troubles. Therefore, the country has been striving hard to get on the right track with domestic and foreign policies due to insufficient and ineffective policies leading to further grave issues. The chequered civil-military relations always led to a divergent stance over the country's strategic interests. In Pakistan, normative ideals, corporate elites, and public opinion played a role in their interest in the country's foreign policy. Moreover, the information revolution also profoundly affects policy, which sometimes poses a threat rather than an opportunity, such as in hybrid warfare, anti-narrative building, and radicalizing the youth. Besides, nontraditional security threats such as climate change, its shocking effect, terrorism, national disasters, political uncertainty, and financial predicament are significant challenges to Pakistan's foreign policy in the current scenario. On the other hand, the world order is turning into multipolar, and regional economies are emerging, creating valuable opportunities if Pakistan can secure its national interest through an effective foreign policy.

Non-Traditional Security Threats in 21st Century and its Socio-Political Impacts on Pakistan.

National Security is a concept that is intricately linked to a state’s social and political structures. It is a broad concept that is aimed at enhancing a state’s power and influence. One of the most crucial aspects of national security is the protection of a nation’s homeland, including its territories. A state’s ability to safeguard its national interests, economic concerns and maintain its international reputation is also critical in ensuring national security. This notion of security is not limited to external threats but also includes internal challenges that could threaten the state’s survival. In contrast, human security is centred on the safety and protection of individuals rather than the state’s territory. It emphasizes the safety and well-being of people over national interests. Human security is achieved through development and other non-military means, as opposed to the use of arms. The goal of this strategy is to protect everyone's security in all settings and aspects of their lives, including their residences, places of employment, streets, societies, and environments.

NATIONAL INTERNAL SECURITY POLICY: AN ASSESSMENT

For the last few years, Pakistan has faced many traditional and nontraditional security threats. Among them, the fatal threat is terrorism and extremism in the country, which has largely been connected with the Afghan war. After 9/11, terrorism and extremism got triggered in Pakistan, in which the country faced heavy consequences in terms of economy, loss of life, and destruction of infrastructure. This grave situation compelled the government to develop a comprehensive national security policy to address the growing threats. In 2014, the government enacted the first NISP 20142018. The focus was to initiate military operations in FATA areas to eliminate the terrorist’s hold, which achieved some positive outcomes in the short run. In 2018, prior to the general elections, the previous government announced another NISP 2018-2023. The implementation of that newly announced security policy was handed over to the new government. It was observed that the policy could not achieve the desired outcomes, as there were certain loopholes in the formulation and implementation of these stages. In this regard, the focus of the current research is, to critically analyze the drawbacks of NISP for the period of 2018-2023.
 Keywords: extremism, NAP, NACTA, NISP, security, terrorism

China's view of a multipolar world

The article examines the position and attitude of China to the multipolar world. The author emphasizes that a profound transformation of the entire system of international relations is currently taking place. World has entered a new period of upheaval and change. There are more and more global challenges and threats. Tendencies of unilateralism, protectionism and hegemonism are increasingly manifesting themselves. Non-traditional security threats such as public health, terrorism, climate change and cybersecurity are also on the rise. The instability and uncertainty the world is facing is obvious. At the same time, the world’s multipolarity, economic globalization, social informatization and the diversification of civilizations continue to deepen, and the international community’s call for peace and development is growing stronger. Further, the author reveals in detail the position of China on how to respond to new challenges and changes taking place in the world, set out by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Wang Yi, who calls for peace-loving, striving for development and openness, cooperating with each other and not confronting and uniting. He also calls to be fair, not to intimidate anyone and not to engage in harassment. Much attention is given to the presentation of the views of Chinese researchers on the modern world order and on the role of China in international relations. Some scholars argue about the need to continuously increase the level of openness to the outside world through the joint construction of the “Belt and Road” and the deepening of strategic cooperation with developing countries. Others speak of the need to adhere to the democratization of international relations, oppose hegemonic powers and advocate for joint overcoming of global challenges and threats. Still others are about maintaining strategic resolve, promoting economic globalization and improving people’s living standards. The author comes to the conclusion that China is an active supporter of a multipolar world and is ready, together with other countries, to strengthen unity and cooperation, continue to improve the global governance system and jointly seek ways to solve global problems.