WEEK 2 NOTES

National Security: Theory and Concept

Overview

This document presents an exhaustive study of various theories and concepts related to national security, as discussed in a lecture by Dr. Lam Choong Wah on 16 March 2026. Topics covered include Realism, Liberalism, Constructivism, securitization, security culture, and various dimensions of security such as human, national, regional, international, and global security.

Content

  1. Realism
  2. Liberalism
  3. Constructivism
  4. Defence and Strategic
  5. Securitization
  6. Security Culture
  7. Concepts

Theoretical Frameworks in National Security

Realism

Realism is a theory emphasizing a state-centric and conflict-driven perspective of international relations, characterized by a fundamentally unstable international system. Some key concepts include:

  • Maximization of Power: States pursue power to ensure their survival.
  • Anarchy: The international system is anarchic, meaning there is no overarching authority.
  • Military Build-up: States seek armament as a means to achieve security.
  • Sub-theories: It includes balance of power and deterrence theory. Moreover, it distinguishes between offensive and defensive realism, reflecting the diverse strategies states may adopt.
  • Military Alliances: As a response to regional threats, states form military alliances to promote stability and a balance of power within their region.
Alliance Politics
Balance of Power
  • The balance of power is defined as an equilibrium in international relations where no single state dominates others. Power distribution among multiple states prevents extreme control by any single entity, thereby promoting stability and reducing conflict. Achievements of balance can occur through:
    • Alliances: Forming partnerships among states.
    • Diplomacy: Engaging in negotiation and dialogue.
    • Military Capabilities: Developing armed forces to deter aggression.
    • Economic Influence: Using economic tools to sustain alliances and deter adversaries.
Bandwagon

Bandwagon politics describe a tendency to align with the prevailing trend or dominant opinion among states or groups. This phenomenon often occurs without critical examination of values, reflecting opportunism or a lack of commitment to principles. It may manifest during elections, policy shifts, or social movements.

Hedging

A hedging strategy is utilized by states to navigate uncertainty by maintaining multiple diplomatic and security ties. This involves:

  • Multiple Alliances: Cultivating relationships with diverse partners to prevent reliance on any single entity.
  • Economic Partnerships: Engaging in various economic agreements to mitigate risks associated with geopolitical shifts.
  • Communication Channels: Keeping diplomatic dialogues open with various actors, even those with conflicting interests, ensuring continued adaptability in a complex global environment.

Historical Context and Case Studies

Balance of Power Dynamics in World War II (1939-1945)

World War II exemplified global power dynamics, with major powers forming shifting alliances to either preserve or alter the balance of power. Key points include:

  • Axis Powers vs. Allied Powers: The Axis, led by Germany, Japan, and Italy, sought dominance, while the Allies aimed to maintain the existing balance.
  • Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact (1939): This agreement allowed both Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union to divide Eastern Europe without conflict, altering the regional balance of power.
  • Tripartite Pact (1940): Alliances were formalized among Germany, Italy, and Japan, strengthening Axis cooperation.
  • Impact of Pearl Harbor (1941): Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor compelled the U.S. to join the Allies, marking a critical shift in the war's dynamics.
Bandwagon Case Study

Following Japan's aggression in Southeast Asia, Thailand entered into negotiations, leading to a Treaty of Alliance with Japan on December 21, 1941. This included military cooperation and Thailand's declaration of war against Allied powers, emphasizing opportunistic alignments during conflict.

Security Categories and Approaches

Horizontal and Vertical Development of Security
Horizontal Development
  • Human Security: Encompasses individual welfare, freedom from threats such as violence and poverty.
  • National Security: Focuses on the protection of state sovereignty and territorial integrity.
  • Regional Security: Concerns collaborative security measures among proximate states.
  • International Security: Involves global peacekeeping efforts aimed at fostering stability.
  • Global Security: Encompasses challenges that affect the security of the entire international community, like terrorism and climate change.
Vertical Development
  • High Politics: Refers to critical areas including military affairs, power politics, arms races, deterrence strategies, and international alliances. It focuses on substantial threats to state security.
  • Low Politics: Addresses issues of economic, trade, cultural, environmental, health, and other non-military areas impacting state security.
Comprehensive Security
  • Involves a holistic approach, integrating military and non-military aspects, recognizing the interconnectedness of human security, regime security, national security, and regional security.
Other Security Concepts

Cooperative Security: Advocates for increased collaboration among states to enhance collective security and stability, emphasizing regionalism and institutional frameworks.
Common Security: Promotes shared responsibility across nations to tackle common threats through collective actions rather than relying exclusively on unilateral military measures.
Total Defense: Involves mobilizing all state assets—military and civil—to defend against threats comprehensively, stressing human security across various dimensions.
Forward Defense: A proactive military strategy positioning defensive forces near potential conflict zones to deter aggression effectively.
Deterrence: A strategy of employing threats or limited force to prevent hostile actions and maintain the status quo, distinct from compellence, which aims to change an adversary's behavior.

Human Security

The 1994 UNDP report titled "Human Development Report" significantly framed human security by extending beyond military concerns to include the safeguarding of well-being against poverty, disease, and environmental threats. This redefined security encompasses the protection of individuals and highlights the need for a multidimensional approach to securing human rights and overall welfare.