Gov 251.01 - International Security

What does security mean?

Protection from threats to a state, its people, and its interests.

What are the two main types of security?

National Security and International Security

What is national security?

When a government protects the state and its people from threats by creating policies to protect sovereignty, territory, and strategic interests.

What is the goal of national security policy?

To reduce and eliminate threats while protecting a nation's independence and territory.

What is international security?

Protecting the interests of states within the international system.

What are international security pacts?

Agreements between multiple states to ensure mutual security and cooperation.

What is an example of an international security pact created in 1967?

ASEAN - formed to contain communism.

What is the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and when was it created?

Created in 1996 and 2001; its purpose is to suppress separatism, counterbalance U.S. influence, and contain Russia.

What does conflict mean in international relations?

Any antagonism between states, international organizations, or non-governmental organizations.

What is the most violent type of conflict?

War

What is a Great War?

A large-scale war, often of global scope.

What is nuclear proliferation?

The spread of nuclear weapons, technology, or materials.

What is nuclear deterrence?

Keeping nuclear weapons not to use them, but to deter others from attacking.

What is the Domino Theory?

The idea that if one state falls (politically or ideologically), nearby states will also fall—like a row of dominos.

What is a security regime?

When a powerful country provides protection to other states in exchange for cooperation.

What is geopolitics?

The use of geography and territorial control to gain political power or achieve security.

Why is the Fog of War considered profound?

Because it highlights the confusion, uncertainty, and chaos during conflict or war.

What issues are involved in security?

Threats, military force, alliances, deterrence, territorial integrity, and national interests.

What concepts are involved in security?

Power, sovereignty, deterrence, alliances, and global cooperation.

What is the difference between preventive and preemptive war?

Preventive = fighting early to stop a country from becoming too powerful Preemptive = striking first bc an attack about to happen.

What is a conventional war?

A war fought with regular weapons and armies (no nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons).

What is a nonconventional war?

A war that uses nuclear, chemical, biological, or cyber weapons.

What is a predatory war?

A war fought to take resources, land, or wealth from another country.

What is a retaliatory war?

A war fought as revenge or punishment for a previous attack.

What is an ethnic or religious war?

A war caused by differences in culture, ethnicity, or religion.

Why are McNamara's lessons important?

they show that leaders must use empathy, reason, and honesty in war decisions to avoid mistakes and unnecessary conflict.

What does "Empathize with your enemy" mean?

Understand your enemy's point of view to prevent conflict and find peaceful solutions.

What does "Rationality will not save us" mean?

Even smart, logical people can make emotional or irrational decisions during war.

What does "There's something beyond one's self" mean?

Leaders should act for humanity, not just for personal or national pride.

What does "Maximize efficiency" mean?

Use resources and actions wisely to reduce harm and avoid waste in war.

What does "Proportionality should be the guideline to war" mean?

The response to threats should match the level of danger — don't overreact.

What does "Get the data" mean?

Make decisions based on accurate information, not guesses or assumptions.

What does "Belief and seeing are both often wrong" mean?

What people think or see can be mistaken — always check facts before acting.

What does "Be prepared to reexamine your reasoning" mean?

Be open to admitting mistakes and changing your mind if new evidence appears.

What does "In order to do good, you may have to engage in evil" mean?

Sometimes leaders face moral conflicts where doing good requires tough or harmful choices.

What does "Never say never" mean?

Stay flexible — never assume something can't happen in war or politics.

What does "You can't change human nature" mean?

Conflict and emotion are part of humanity, so systems must control human mistakes.