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National Security

National security has evolved from a traditional military focus to encompass a broader human-centric perspective that prioritizes the dignity, safety, and prosperity of individuals. This approach recognizes the interconnected nature of global security and addresses emerging threats such as cyber attacks, climate change, and economic instability. By emphasizing collaboration across various sectors, it aims to create sustainable systems that protect human rights while ensuring societal stability.
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100% found this document useful (1 vote)
9 views3 pages

National Security

National security has evolved from a traditional military focus to encompass a broader human-centric perspective that prioritizes the dignity, safety, and prosperity of individuals. This approach recognizes the interconnected nature of global security and addresses emerging threats such as cyber attacks, climate change, and economic instability. By emphasizing collaboration across various sectors, it aims to create sustainable systems that protect human rights while ensuring societal stability.
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National Security: A Human Perspective

Introduction

National security is a main ingredient of modern statecraft, ensuring a nation's sovereignty,


societal well-being and economic stability. Traditionally viewed through military and
geopolitical lenses, national security has evolved to include a wide collection of domains
such as cyber security, economic resilience, and environmental sustainability. However, the
essence of national security lies in its impact on the individuals it seeks to protect. A human-
centric perspective emphasizes that national security is not solely about safeguarding borders
but it is also about promoting the dignity, safety, and prosperity of its people.

A Short History

The Modern concepts of national security arose in the 17th century during the Thirty Years
War in Europe and the Civil War in England. In 1648, the Peace of Westphalia established
the idea that the nation state had sovereign control not only of domestic affairs such as
religion, but also of external security.

The concept of "national security" from a human perspective, referred to as "human


security," gained significant traction and was first articulated in a major international
document with the 1994 United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Human
Development Report, which defined human security as protection from threats to people's
basic needs like economic, food, health, and personal security, going beyond just state-level
protection; essentially prioritizing the well-being of individuals within nation.

National security is a cornerstone of societal stability, influencing the survival and prosperity
of nations. While often associated with governments, military forces, and intelligence
agencies, national security is fundamentally a human concern. It encompasses the protection
of individuals, communities, and their way of life. At its core, national security ensures the
safety, rights, and freedoms of people in the face of evolving threats. In the 21st century, the
concept of national security has expanded beyond traditional military conflicts. Emerging
threats such as cyber attacks, terrorism, climate change, pandemics, and economic instability
demand comprehensive approaches that address both state and human vulnerabilities. These
challenges highlight the interconnected nature of global security, emphasizing that threats in
one region can ripple across borders and affect millions. A human-centric perspective on
national security prioritizes the well-being and dignity of individuals. It considers not only
physical safety but also access to essential resources, social equity, and resilience against
crises. This perspective underscores the importance of safeguarding human rights while
addressing security concerns, as a lack of justice or inclusivity can fuel instability and
conflict.

Through this lens, national security transcends military strategies and political policies. It
requires collaboration across sectors, including education, healthcare, technology, and
diplomacy. By focusing on the human dimension, societies can build sustainable systems that
protect against threats while fostering trust, cohesion, and progress. This discussion explores
national security from a human perspective, examining how the protection of people’s lives
and values underpins broader security objectives. It highlights the need for integrated
solutions that bridge the gap between traditional security measures and the complexities of
modern global challenges. In doing so, it reveals the essential role of human-centered
approaches in shaping a secure and equitable future.

Human-Centered Security Focus:

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