Hamna Obaid
The world of today presents the transition from traditional to non-traditional security paradigms representing a significant evolution in the understanding of security in the contemporary global landscape. This shift has been driven by various factors, including globalization, environmental degradation, and the emergence of new threats that challenge the conventional military-centric view of security as suggested by earlier theorists.
For this reason, defining traditional and non-traditional security is now a vital component while understanding the dynamics of international arena. Traditional security typically focuses on state-centric threats, primarily military in nature. It emphasizes the protection of territorial integrity and sovereignty against any kind of external aggression, often framed within the context of power dynamics between states as portrayed by the realist school of thought. Historically, this approach has dominated international relations, particularly during the Cold War era.
In contrast, Non-Traditional Security (NTS) encompasses a broader spectrum of threats that arise from all non-military sources. These include environmental issues such as climate change which is one of the most evitable adverse consequence of human activity. Moreover, resource scarcity leading to conflicts over water and food is disturbing world peace. Health crises like spread of infectious diseases and pandemics are directly threatening public health and indirectly, leading to economic instability. Â Transnational crimes namely drug trafficking, human smuggling, and terrorism that transcend national borders are still a major threat to the world after a quarter of the twenty first century. Societal instabilities lead to issues like irregular migration and economic disparities that can destabilize societies paving way for civil conflict of interests. The NTS framework simply recognizes that security is not solely about military might but also involves the well-being of individuals and communities.
Factors driving this shift:
End of the Cold War marks the beginning of the dissolution of bipolar power structures that ultimately led to a re-evaluation of security concepts. Analysts began to argue that traditional military threats were no longer sufficient to address emerging global challenges. Globalization has increased interdependence among nations which has made it clear that many threats are transnational in nature, requiring cooperative responses rather than unilateral actions. Human Security Paradigm depicts the idea that the focus has shifted towards human security, emphasizing the protection of individuals’ rights and well-being as central to national security strategies. This approach advocates for addressing root causes of insecurity, such as poverty and inequality.
Non-traditional security threats possess several characteristics that define them in a comprehensive manner. Being transnational in nature, these threats often originate beyond national borders and require international cooperation for effective management. Unlike traditional security threats, which are primarily military, considering the socio-political dynamics, non-traditional threats are often rooted in political instability or socioeconomic disparities. Complex interdependencies lead to the interconnectedness of issues meaning that addressing one threat often involves tackling others simultaneously; for example, climate change impacts food security, which can lead to migration crises. There is a dire need for multilateral responses as national solutions are frequently inadequate; thus, regional and global cooperation is essential for effective mitigation. Indo-Pacific cooperation frameworks like the QUAD (comprising the US, India, Japan, and Australia) illustrate how states are forming partnerships to address non-traditional threats such as climate change and pandemics through collaborative governance initiatives.
This evident transition presents valuable lessons for Pakistan as it navigates its complex security landscape. Recognizing and addressing non-traditional security threats is essential for the country’s stability and development. Some key lessons are:
Comprehensive Security Framework
Adopting a human-centric approach is an effective way out. The National Security Policy (NSP) of the year 2022, while addressing these challenges, marks a significant pivot towards a human-focused security framework, emphasizing economic, environmental, and societal dimensions alongside traditional military concerns. This approach acknowledges that sustainable security cannot be achieved solely through military means. It emphasizes economic security, climate resilience, and human-centric approaches as priorities alongside traditional military concerns.
Strengthening Institutional Capacity
Enhancing decision-making mechanisms and promoting impactful implementation of those decisions can be a way forward. Pakistan’s institutions must develop formalized, effective, and centralized decision-making processes to tackle non-traditional threats such as climate change, cyber security, and economic instability. The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) should be restructured to facilitate better coordination among stakeholders involved in addressing these challenges.
Interconnectedness of Threats
Recognizing the interdependence of security issues is the need of the hour. We ought to acknowledge that these issues are connected in a complex web where one is leading to another. Moreover, what is more threatening is that non-traditional threats like climate change can exacerbate traditional security issues such as terrorism and political instability. For instance, resource scarcity due to environmental degradation can lead to social unrest, highlighting the need for integrated strategies that address multiple dimensions of security.
Regional Cooperation
Engaging in multilateral frameworks that are doing efforts for tackling these problems not just in theory but in practical, is one of the foremost step that needs to be taken. Understanding that in this century, states prosper by cooperating in all matters is the key. Pakistan should actively participate in regional and international cooperative frameworks to address shared non-traditional security challenges. This includes collaborative efforts to combat transnational crime, manage refugee flows, and respond to health crises like pandemics. Additionally, the forums that Pakistan is already a part of, for instance SAARC, such initiatives should be taken to address the emerging issues and foster collaboration.
Focus on Environmental Security
Developing a comprehensive environmental strategy while considering its vulnerability to climate change, Pakistan needs a robust environmental security strategy that encompasses food and water security. This includes investing in sustainable practices and disaster preparedness to mitigate the impacts of natural disasters. Moreover, building better infrastructure for healthcare system and having proper awareness sessions can also be a way forward.
Cyber Security as a Priority
The current tech-based century demands for implementation of cyber security policies as cyber threats become increasingly prevalent. Pakistan must prioritize cyber security by fully implementing its National Cyber Security Policy (2021) to safeguard critical infrastructure and information systems. This is crucial for maintaining political stability and protecting economic interests. AI-based technological advancements are required to keep a track of on-going dynamics.
Promote Societal Cohesion
Lastly, fostering social stability and addressing societal insecurities is vital for overall national stability. Promoting tolerance, inclusivity, and peaceful coexistence among diverse communities can help mitigate internal conflicts that may arise from economic or political grievances and overall, can lead to betterment of social fabric of the state.
To sum up, the shift from traditional to non-traditional security reflects a broader understanding of what constitutes a threat in today’s world. As global challenges become increasingly complex and interconnected, a comprehensive approach that incorporates both military and non-military dimensions will be essential for ensuring sustainable peace and stability. This evolving paradigm underscores the necessity for cooperative international frameworks that prioritize human security alongside state interests. The transition towards recognizing non-traditional security threats provides Pakistan with an opportunity to redefine its security paradigm. By adopting a comprehensive approach that integrates human-centric policies with robust institutional frameworks, Pakistan can enhance its resilience against a wide array of contemporary challenges.
Writer is student of MPhil. International Relations ,FJWU