International Relations Theory Questions Medium
The Security perspective in International Relations Theory focuses on the concept of security and how it shapes the behavior of states in the international system. This perspective seeks to understand the causes of conflict and the strategies employed by states to ensure their security.
One key assumption of the Security perspective is that the international system is anarchic, meaning that there is no central authority to enforce rules and maintain order. In this context, states are seen as the primary actors and their main goal is to ensure their survival and protect their national interests.
The Security perspective identifies two main types of security: traditional security and non-traditional security. Traditional security refers to military threats and conflicts between states, such as territorial disputes or the threat of war. Non-traditional security, on the other hand, encompasses a broader range of issues that can threaten a state's security, including economic instability, environmental degradation, terrorism, and pandemics.
Within the Security perspective, there are different theories that explain how states pursue security. Realism is one of the dominant theories, which argues that states are driven by self-interest and the pursuit of power. Realists believe that states should prioritize their own security above all else and that conflict is inevitable in an anarchic system.
Another theory within the Security perspective is Liberalism, which emphasizes the importance of international institutions, cooperation, and diplomacy in maintaining security. Liberals argue that states can achieve security through collective security arrangements, economic interdependence, and the spread of democratic values.
Constructivism is another theory that focuses on the role of ideas, norms, and identities in shaping security dynamics. Constructivists argue that security is not solely determined by material factors, but also by social constructions and shared understandings among states.
Overall, the Security perspective in International Relations Theory provides a framework for understanding how states perceive and pursue security in the international system. It recognizes the complex nature of security threats and offers different theories to explain state behavior in response to these threats.