Regional Security Complex Theory Research Articles

Peluang dan Tantangan Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Pasca Terbentuknya Kerja Sama Pertahanan Trilateral AUKUS

Indonesia and Australia are neighboring countries with fluctuate bilateral relations. In 2018, they formed Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (IA-CSP) to enhance their partnerships in strategic sectors for the stability of regional security in the Indo-Pacific. However, the problem came up in 2021 when Australia established trilateral defense cooperation AUKUS with the United Kingdom and the United States. This cooperation facilitates Australia to have nuclear-powered submarines to strengthen its military power. This cooperation has raised the eyebrows of Indonesia as it is against IA-CSP’s pillars, particularly pillar on securing the two countries and the region’s shared interest, and pillar on contributing to Indo-Pacific stability and prosperity. Therefore, Indonesia regretted Australia’s participation in AUKUS because the former deemed the latter to have violated its commitment on IA-CSP. This research aims to analyze IA-CSP’s opportunities and challenges post-establishment of AUKUS. It used a qualitative method, with interviews and literature review in place to collect data. The authors used regional security complex theory and strategic partnership concept for analysis. This research found that AUKUS does not disrupt the implementation of IA-CSP because the cooperation instead provides opportunities that Indonesia can utilize for its national interest. However, AUKUS poses challenges that Indonesia needs to tackle.

The Bulgarian Government�s Efforts to Address The Issue of Transnational Organized Crime: Trafficking in Human Beings and Smuggling Migrants

Human trafficking and migrant smuggling are forms of transnational organized crime (TOC) that affect people all over the world, including in Bulgaria. The actions taken by the Bulgarian government to combat these illegal operations are the focus of this study. A more effective evaluation of Bulgaria's involvement within the regional security complex can be achieved by employing qualitative approaches with the Regional Security Complex Theory (RSCT) and applying primary and secondary data collection methods. Institutionalization, increased border surveillance, and public education initiatives are among the steps highlighted in the report. Understanding Bulgaria's anti-crime activities has been enhanced by this analysis, which provides valuable information for improving policies against migrant smuggling and human trafficking.

Post-Soviet Regional Security Complex Revisited: Is Central Asia Still A Subcomplex?

In this study, Central Asia is addressed within the framework of the Regional Security Complex Theory. In the Regional Security Complex theory developed by Barry Buzan and Ole Wæver, Central Asia is defined as a sub-complex that constitutes the Post-Soviet Regional Security Complex but claims that it can become a separate complex under certain conditions. Twenty years after their pioneering study, the continuities and changes in the region have necessitated an analysis of where the authors’ claim stands. Therefore, in this study, the areas that need to be revised in the original work and the transformations have been evaluated. The study emphasizes the importance of political security in the region’s transformation into a separate complex, but attempts to demonstrate that it cannot yet be considered a separate complex.

Regional Security Complex (RSC) in the Security Complexity of the Southeast Asia Region

The Southeast Asian region faces security complexities that need to be taken into account, including border disputes, struggles over natural resources, the threat of drugs and terrorism, China's presence in the region, as well as security dilemmas and arms races. Although the current security situation is relatively peaceful with no significant conflict, the potential threat of war in the future cannot be ignored. This research aims to analyze the Regional Security Complex (RSC) framework in the security complexity of the Southeast Asia region. ASEAN countries are quite capable of maintaining regional security stability within the framework of friendship (Enmity). RSC theory is used to analyze the ASEAN cooperation framework in dealing with regional security complexity. A qualitative approach using literature study was used in this research. The findings of this research show that ASEAN countries have agreed to strengthen a friendship-based cooperation framework to continue to maintain the security stability of the Southeast Asian region.

Boko Haram-Induced Forced Migration: Implications for Social and Economic Development in the Lake Chad Basin

In Africa, and notably the Lake Chad Basin (LCB), Boko Haram is a major threat to human security. The region, which spans 427,500 km2 and contains large ungoverned areas, is made up of Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, and Niger. Boko Haram has been responsible for several attacks in Northeast Nigeria since 2003 and is also the leading cause of forced migration in the Lake Chad Basin. In northeastern Nigeria and other LCB countries, this insurgency has caused widespread migration and increased the humanitarian crisis, socio-economic, and environmental consequences. This research aims to examine the developmental challenges emerging from Boko Haram-induced forced displacement in the LCB. Empirical evidence suggests that the Lake Chad Basin countries’ governments have failed to contain this group's aggression. However, there are still gaps in the literature regarding how this insurgency has affected social and economic lives of displaced people in the region. The study utilized a case study design, documentary method of data collection, and content analysis as the analytical technique. The study applies the Human Security Theory and Regional Security Complex Theory (RSCT) as the theoretical framework. Ultimately, the findings of this study revealed that forced migration severs social ties, leading to economic, social, and psychological impacts, including family separation and loss, with families often split up abruptly due to attacks and evacuation. In Addition, negative economic impacts disproportionately affect impoverished individuals, exacerbating chronic poverty and hindering their ability to escape poverty due to price volatility and wage declines. It was recommended that the governments of Lake Chad Basin countries should develop and implement policies that support the economic integration of refugees and displaced individuals, including measures to facilitate access to employment and promoting self-reliance and resilience. They should also foster initiatives that strengthen social ties and networks among displaced populations to facilitate integration into host communities and mitigate the negative impacts of social disconnection.

Being My Neighbours’ Keeper: Interrogating the Management of the Terrorism–Migration Nexus in West Africa Sub-Region

Cooperation among neighbouring countries is critical for managing security threats like terrorism and migration. Despite their proximity, states often struggle to cooperate for various reasons, including a lack of solidarity, which can harm regional peace and stability. This study uses qualitative research to examine West African nations’ cooperation in combating Islamist terrorism and aiding affected individuals across borders. Applying regional security complex theory and transnationalism, we assess how terrorism-driven migration impacts regional security, peace and development, highlighting cooperation challenges. This study redefines ‘neighbour’ in international relations, emphasising proactive international solidarity and shared responsibility to address insecurity.

The Stabilizing Role of Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Afghanistan

Terrorism is one of the main reasons contributing to Afghanistan's insecurity. The fragile peace in Afghanistan has given terrorist groups much freedom to manoeuvre and grow. These situations require the countries in the region to assume greater responsibility to stabilise the country. Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states and Afghanistan relations are based on historical friendship and shared interests. The SCO's involvement in Afghanistan is facilitated by the common interests of Pakistan, China, Russia, and other neighbouring countries. The withdrawal of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) from Afghanistan gave the SCO more room to advance in Afghanistan. This article highlights the concrete steps that the SCO has taken to stabilise Afghanistan, as well as the interests of member countries and their peace efforts. In this study, the theories of the Regional Security Complex Theory and Liberal Institutionalism were used. The current economic crisis and political disruption following NATO's withdrawal from Afghanistan highlight the role of the SCO in the situation. Collaboration to boost Afghanistan's economy and growth would be beneficial. Reconstruction, development, governance, and humanitarian assistance are not only the responsibility of the countries in the region but also of the international community and organizations. The economic crisis and the rapid international recognition of the Taliban pose great challenges to the SCO.

Japan and the Regional Security Complex in the Asia-Pacific region 1931-1945

This paper aims to analyse the Regional Security Complex (RSC) in the Asia-Pacific region from 1931-1945, from the perspective of the Empire of Japan. Along with the rise of Germany, the rise of Imperial Japan in the Asia-Pacific region is crucial to international relations. The challenge that Imperial Japan posed to the Status Quo in the region has had lasting effects that molded the current RSC. The RSC of the Asia-Pacific has risen to be critically important to the International System at large. With so many eyes peering in its direction, the importance of examining its past challenges is of utmost importance to orient present and future decision making. After all, the past is not dead, it’s not even past. The hipothesis of this paper is that internal factors (such as faulty institutions struggling to adapt to new social conditions, militarism, extremist politics and a lack of responsible leadership) were as important to the destabilisaton of the RSC in the Asia-Pacific region as the general disruption to the balance of power. The analyzes stresses out the importance of adopting a regional perspective and focusing not only on states but also on other security actors. Data will be used interpretatively; meaning that the focus will be on understanding events in a comprehensive/holistic way. Keywords: Regional Security Complex Theory, balance of power, soft power, international relations, foreign policy.

Securitization of Water in Central Asia: Insights from the Regional Water Security Complex

Central Asia is revealing itself as an area where the problem of access to water and its current regional dynamics are almost at a radically critical level, where the potential risk of water disputes is still one of the highest in the world. Therefore, water scarcity issues and challenges triggered by the Aral Sea syndrome, the existing water mismanagement system, infrastructural and investment projects of dams and water reservoirs (Rogun, Naryn, Kambarata, Toktogul, etc.) and their transformation towards an existential threat will be analyzed within the securitization prism through the selected speech acts. This article will contribute to developing a new analytical framework of Regional Security Complex Theory (RSCT) and the securitization theory in water stress. The efforts undertaken in this article will ultimately lead to the development of a new approach to issues of water security and hydro politics within the concept of the Regional Water Security Complex (RWSC) on the example of the Central Asian region. The main research question will be to what extent water, as an immanent feature of this complex, is politicized and securitized. An important question will also be how the formulated security language indicates the existential nature of water as a security problem in the region.

EGE DENİZİNDEKİ MÜLTECİ SORUNU: BÖLGESEL GÜVENLİK KOMPLEKSİ BAĞLAMINDA BİR ANALİZ

The phenomenon of migration varies according to factors in many different dimensions, this study deals with irregular migration and the events that occur in this context. Turkey, due to its geopolitical position, is a transit country in the irregular migration issue, in comparison with neighboring countries, Turkey has become a transit country for migrants due to its relatively higher level of development compared to Middle Eastern countries located to its south and east, and its lower level of development compared to European countries. In this study, the results and reasons for Syrian refugee’s attempts to use Turkey as a transit country and cross to Greece over the Aegean Sea will be analyzed from the perspective of Barry Buzan’s ‘Regional Security Complex Theory. This study focuses on the problem of whether a regional security complex has emerged in the Balkans due to the migration movement resulting from the Syrian Civil War, using Buzan’s theory as a framework, between Turkey and Greece.

Mapping the Dynamics of Subregional Order: Challenges and Prospects in the Maghreb Region after 2011 Arab Spring

This article examines the security challenges facing the Maghreb region as a subregional system of the Middle East since the Arab Spring. The analysis concentrates on the period after the fall of the Libyan regime, which resulted in the decline of security in Libya, internal conflicts in Mali, and rising security instability in the Sahel region due to the return of Tuareg fighters to their Malian homeland. The article explores the political and economic dynamics in the Maghreb through an analysis of power distribution utilizing the regional security complex theory (RSCT). This examination highlights how these dynamics influence rivalry or cooperation, and the repercussions of missing systems that prompt the restructuring of the subregional order. The relevant information was systematically collected and analyzed via a data collection method which facilitated a thorough investigation of the intricate dynamics of the area, resulting in a better comprehension of the elements that mold its geopolitical environment.

THE NEXUS OF SECURITY AND INTEREST: MALAYSIA'S APPROACH TO ARAB-ISRAELI NORMALIZATION

The Arab-Israeli normalization, characterized by the Abraham Accords and subsequent diplomatic engagements, has sparked significant debate among regional actors especially among Muslim countries. In this context, Malaysia's response is analyzed by employing a combined theoretical framework of Regional Security Complex (RSC) theory and national interest theory. The study employs a qualitative method of analysis of official statements, policy documents, and diplomatic engagements. It also examines the historical context of Malaysia's stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the shifts and nuances of its response in light of recent events. In addition, this study examines the domestic factors, such as public opinion, political dynamics, and the influence of religious and civil society actors, that influence Malaysia's foreign policy decisions. This study reveals that Malaysia has voiced its opposition to the process of normalisation, which has been influenced by regional security concerns rooted in Muslim solidarity and the support for Palestinian rights. Additionally, Malaysia's opposition is driven by its own national interests, encompassing domestic politics and economic relations with Arab nations.

The Political Influence of US and China Vaccine Competition in Southeast Asia on Potential New Security Issues for ASEAN Countries

Vaccine competition between the United States and China in Southeast Asia has been potential to create new security problems for ASEAN member states. Based on the constructivism perspective and Regional Security Complex Theory (RSC), this article analyses the relationships between the identity and interest of both states, US and China, who took certain policies and engaged in the vaccine competition in the Southeast Asian region. China with the political manoeuvre and US with the humanitarian endeavour in their narration, both had interests in terms of economic, politics, also geopolitics through their assistance to ASEAN countries. The authors argue that new security problems, such as the rising unemployment rates, the declining GDP, and the new pandemic wave, caused by this competition are the result of the absence of collective identity of ASEAN countries. Instead of prioritizing their collective identity as a regional community and forming regional security complex, ASEAN countries tend to respond by prioritizing their respective national interests. Therefore, this article offers the recipes where ASEAN member state should establish their collective identity, such as supporting the development of ASEAN vaccines in Vietnam and Thailand or establishing the ASEAN pharmaceutical company designates as the regional vaccine research and development site.

State Security Apparatus and Emergence of Regional Armed Security Architecture in Nigeria (2015-2021)

The emergence and proliferation of non-state armed security outfits across different geopolitical zones in Nigeria in recent times is on the rise. Scholars have argued on the causes, necessity and legality of these regional security outfits. However, studies have not empirically examined the character of Nigeria state as the propelling factor for the increase in these armed security outfits. This study, therefore, examined whether the weak governance of security by the Federal Government accounted for the emergence and proliferation of people centered non-state armed security architecture in Nigeria. The study adopted the documentary method of data collection, which was then analyzed through qualitative descriptive methods of data analysis. The Regional Security Complex Theory (RSCT) was utilized as the foundation for our theoretical framework. Findings showed that weak governance of security by the federal government contributed to the emergence and proliferation of people centered non- state armed security outfits in Nigeria within the period under study. As a corollary of the above, this study recommended building synergy and collaboration between the state security agencies and the regional security outfits which will strengthen intelligence gathering and effective security provision.

The impact of the Middle East and Gulf states' involvement on the Horn of Africa's peace and security: Applying regional security complex theory

AbstractThe Middle East and the Horn of Africa are distinct but interdependent Regional Security Complexes (RSCs) whose security interaction and beyond has increased over the last two decades. Recent interactions between the two RSCs, particularly the increased involvement of Middle Eastern and Gulf states, have raised concerns about the Horn of Africa's peace and security. This paper examines the impact of the Middle East and Gulf States' involvement on peace and security in the Horn of Africa using RSC Theory (RSCT). The findings indicate that the Middle East and Gulf States' involvement, rooted in rivalry and competition, has become a source of instability and conflict in the Horn of Africa. These extra‐regional powers have played a critical role in escalating conflicts and instilling insecurity in the region by focusing solely on their national security, geopolitical, and economic interests. Their destabilizing impact is particularly visible in Ethiopia, Somalia, and Sudan.

Normalization of Arab-Israeli Relations: Implications for Iranis National and Security

The existence of fundamental differences between Iran and Israel has made Iran, as a regional power, maintain its geopolitical weight, monitor the power relations in the region, and consider the consequences of the relations between the Israeli regime and its neighboring states. According to the disclosure of the relations between the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain with Israel, it seems that the establishment of a close relationship between the Arabs and Israel will change the regional security equations. Based on this article, it seeks to investigate the consequences of the normalization of Arab-Israeli relations on Iran's regional security. The method of this article is a descriptive-analytical one that uses the regional security complex theory to find an answer to the question of what effect the process of normalizing relations between Arabs and Israel will have on Iran's security. In response to this question, the hypothesis is proposed that the relative and secret reconciliation between the Arabs and Israel will create tangible changes in the regional security equations in a structural way. Keywords: Iran, Arabs, Israel, regional security complex, Iran's security environment.

Региональная безопасность в Центральной Азии в условиях возвращения талибов к власти: вызовы и угрозы, сценарии развития

Introduction. The article focuses on reconstructing the major parameters of the complex of challenges and threats to post-Soviet Central Asia regional security that has emerged in the wake of or in direct connection with the radical change of the situation in Afghanistan after August 2021. These challenges and threats have developed across several functional and territorial dimensions and require a comprehensive analysis followed by the building of scenarios for their evolution. Methods and materials. The research relies on the regional security complex theory developed by Barry Buzan and Ole Waever. The methodological toolkit includes external indirect observation, political descriptive and historical genetic methods, scenario building. The research materials include official statements, news briefs, expert opinions, periodicals, academic papers. Analysis. The authors have analyzed the geostrategic, regional-strategic, regional-economic, and regional-societal dimensions of the challenges and threats to Central Asian regional security generated by the changes in Afghanistan and have built scenarios of their evolution. The major geostrategic challenge is the exacerbation of U.S. – Chinese contradictions centered on the influence of the Taliban factions. The key regional-strategic threat is the risk of the Afghan conflict spilling over into Tajikistan or Turkmenistan. The regional-economic challenges include the risks of blocking trans-Afghan transport, pipeline, and electricity transmission projects. The regional-societal risks consist of the dissemination of radical Islamist ideologies from Afghanistan throughout Central Asia. The two basic scenarios of the regional security evolution are inertia or a resumption of a full-scale civil war in Afghanistan. Results. The authors have worked out sets of recommendations for regional policymakers and the intergovernmental bodies whose functions include maintaining security and stability in Central Asia. Authors’ contribution. A.E. Dzhorobekova has developed the general concept of the article and organized the research. E.F. Troitskiy has focused on the analysis of threats and challenges to regional security. S.M. Yun has developed scenarios for regional security situations. A.G. Timoshenko has formulated the relevant recommendations.

Terrorism and Regional Security: The Challenges of Insurgency in the Sahel

This paper examines the incidences of terrorism in the Sahel region of Africa and its impact on regional security. The study suggests that terrorism festering in the Sahel is a product of bad governance and the inability of the states within the sphere of influence to exert the needed political will and corresponding action to nip in the bud the slip further down of insecurity. The study also posits that terrorism is a major hindrance to development. Using the Regional Security Complex Theory as a theoretical framework for analysis, the paper tries to explain how despondency results when regional intervention are not implemented. The paper recommends an overhaul of broader regional intervention as a matter of urgency, especially where state cannot tackle the security implications. The data used for this paper were gathered through secondary sources. These sources are textbooks, journal publications, newspapers, magazines and internet sources.

Contribution of Copenhagen School to the Security Studies

Security Studies cover the security of referent objects, individuals, or states. Since the Second World War, the importance and depth of Security Studies have increased. In the post-cold war period, it was seen as a purely military field and was handled within the scope of the power policies of the states. In the post-Cold War period, it emerged as a multidimensional form. This research describes prominent approaches such as Realism, Liberalism, Peace, and Critical Security Studies and the most recent essential theories. The research underlines the three pillars of The Copenhagen School, which has contributed to the academic literature on securitization/desecuritization theory, regional security complex theory, and sectoral security approach in international security studies. In the securitization theory, any subject can be non-politicised, politicised, or elevated to a national security concern level. According to the Regional Security Complex pillar, standard points, security priorities, and security dynamics must coincide with establishing a region in the security realm. Lastly, the safety of human societies is affected by factors in five primary areas - military, political, economic, social, and environmental factors. The study concludes that the Copenhagen School occupies a significant position among security studies methodologies and offers a helpful framework for examining contemporary global security concerns.

Regional Security Complex and Threat Dynamics of the Sahelian States

The geographic area of the Sahel is of particular interest when examining regional security issues that have negatively affected political, economic and social interaction on the African continent for decades. The region has seen a massive upsurge in lethal violence, and militant groups continue to expand their activities southward, now threatening coastal West Africa. The paper examines the links between the growing dynamics of the Sahel and the security of Liptako-Gourma, composed of groups of contiguous states rooted in historical and geographical environments. The paper empirically applies the Barry Buzan and Ole Wæver’s “Regional Security Complex Theory” (RSCT) as a framework for studying the discourse of security threats and the dynamics of security challenges in the region. The application of RSCT theory makes a significant contribution to understanding these regional security issues in the Liptako-Gourma region. The complex links between threats demonstrate the likely impossibility of addressing these threats in isolation, and the need for a broader approach. The study interprets the current relationship between France and Mali in relation to Mali’s withdrawal from the G5 Sahel Force as hostile. The authors argue that the regional nature of the security threats strongly supports the claim that geographic proximity is a major contributor to security interactions. The paper also reveals that the individual security of each state cannot be separated from that of its neighbors. Therefore, it is suggested that mutual interests could contribute to a stronger regional security initiative that integrates the fight against a common threat such as terrorism.