Diplomacy - Midterm Paper

8/13/2019 Diplomacy - Midterm Paper

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International Studies DepartmentIS 22: Theories and Practice of Contemporary DiplomacyProf. Angelo Goode

Essay Question: What is security in international relations and why isthe concept so contested?

This essay is the result of my own work. Material from the published orunpublished work of others which is used in the mid-term essay is creditedto the author in question of the text.

The essay is exactly 3, 028words in length.

I have read and understood the Guidance on Plagiarism and Word Limits inthe relevant course booklet.

Signature Castillo, Nicaella S. Feb. 11, 2014AB International Studies


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The Digital Age and Its Implications on Global Security in

International Relations

INTRODUCTION

The term security is strongly contested because of its broad scope.

Often, any definition that tries to limit this study, there will be numerous

challenges by other writers or scholars of this field. According to Baylis

(2003):

Most writers agree that security is a contested concept. There isa consensus that it implies freedom from threats to core values (for bothindividuals and groups but there is a major disagreement about whether

the main focus of enquiry should be on individual, national, orinternational security. For much of the cold war period most writing onthe subject was dominated by the idea of national security which waslargely defined in militarized terms. The main area of interest for bothacademics and statesmen tended to be on the military capabilities thattheir own should develop with the threats that faced them. Instead anumber of contemporary writers have argues for an expanded conceptionof security outward from the limits of parochial national security to includea range of other considerations.

Realists have the common notion that international relations is of

dangerous nature and there is a certain amount of paranoia that states

should emphasize on because anything can happen to their safety or

security. Liberalists argue that security can be protected collectively

through institutions wherein states can be a member of. Other schools of

thought developed an entirely different set of assumptions regarding the

matter of security and how it is deeply revered in international relations.

In previous decades, security have always been purely militaristic or

political but after the Cold War, things have changed to a point wherein it is

not enough to just worry about those two aspects. Also, states only had to

fear aggression from other states during pre-World War II but now, threats


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can come from anyone or anything especially non-state actors and global

problems. The latter is possible due to many factors but in this paper, the

writer tries to single out the implications of the Digital Age and how it shifted

the perspective of what security is, more specifically global security.

Because of the increase of technological development, it has provided

stronger means not only for the states but also non-state actors in either

formulating a threat or protecting against one.

This paper will discuss the importance of the digital age as one of

the main factors of the changing perspectives of security. The topics

included will be a summary of the prominent IR theories of security, a

concentration of global security which is considered one of the latest

subjects on the topic, a brief history of the start of the digital age, and the

incorporation of information and mechanical technology on global security.

There are two cases included in this paper that would show how the digital

age has affected the security situation in the global arena. One is looking at

the military technology of the US and the other is looking at Al-Qaedas

cyberplanning capacity.

SECURITY IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

The deviation of war patterns throughout history has changed how

security was viewed by both scholars and state leaders. It is believed that

due to how aggressors plan their attacks during conflict that countries are

open to any kind of threat that can be present. It is certain as well that a


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threat can come from anyone as several large-scale wars had transpired.

Threats evolved from being militaristic or political in nature into societal and

individualistic. Human security is an example of individual security,

including concerns on health, food and water, and other basic needs.

Threats and vulnerabilities can arise in many different areas,military and non-military, but to count as security issues they have tomeet strictly defined criteria that distinguish them from the normal run ofthe merely political. They have to be staged as existential threats to areferent object by a securitizing actor who thereby generatesendorsement of emergency measures beyond rules that would otherwisebind. (Buzan et. al, 1998)

There are two main competing ideologies on security in international

relations. These are realism and liberalism. Even though that is an

availability of other school of thoughts like social constructivism, feminism

and many more, these two still remain dominant in different deliberations.

Its just that there has become a diversion on how realism and liberalism is

being applied in such situation. Multiple interpretations are presented by

different authors of this theory but there are similar characteristics that

make up the realist realm. Realists believed that the global arena is

anarchic in nature, meaning that there is no central authority to guarantee

the safety of each state. Therefore these countries should be fully prepared

on the preservation of its territory, norms and culture. It is a common notion

for realists that there is a lack of trust in the global system and states will

always feel nervous about others actions. Preparations mean that they are

equipped with offensive military capacities to defend their state interests.

For liberalism, the terms collective security and democratic peace are the

most common centers of discussion. They believe that through the


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cooperation of states on security and it will create a more peaceful

environment for everyone. Through the creation of institutions, these

nations are able to talk amongst them on regards of procedures on

ensuring everyone security in this world. They believed that arguments can

be dealt with peaceful diplomacy to stop it from going into conflict.

FOCUS ON GLOBAL SECURITY

Global security was believed to have emerged at the start of

globalization. It is considered that because of the phenomenon, states

were deeply interconnected with one another and at the same time

non-state actors have emerged as one of the key players of the global

arena. Threats, like what have been mentioned before, can be in any form

and the sources such have increased in number. It is therefore the

responsibility of states, through their diplomatic interactions in different

international organizations, to come up with methods of dealing with

threats and security. (Makinda, 1998) But for other scholars, increased

suspicions of other states was also due to globalization. Because of the

growing capacities of all the actors of international relations, nations and

individuals needed to be extra careful on their security. In the words of

Keck and Sikkink (1998):

World politics at the end of the twentieth century involves,alongside states, many non-state actors that interact with each other, withstates, and with international organizations. These interactions arestructured in networks, and transnational networks are increasinglyvisible in international politics.

.


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Globalization is responsible not only for the advancement of

communications and interconnections but also the panic that a strike can

happen to anyone, anywhere at any given time. While international

organizations are created out of good will and certainty for mutual gains

and benefits, non-state actors like terrorist groups have contributed to the

growing tension of fear and security dilemma. These actors are yet to find

balance of these interactions in order to normalize the security situation of

the world today.

The scope of global security however has expanded to into other

aspects of the society. Some states still maintain that national security

through military and political capacity as their utmost priority but the

concerns on economic and social security has been gaining support from

different citizens. Individuals pressure their governments in the protection

of freedom and human rights as well as the necessities of everyday life like

food, water and shelter. All of these fall under human security which entails

the protection of Environmental security is also categorized as one of the

leading forms of security concern as it has profound effects on every state.

Many see that that these different aspects of security are in relations with

one another that it might be difficult for states to deal with it alone.

INNOVATIONS OF THE DIGITAL AGE

The digital age is the time period wherein globalization has reached

its full potential and its integration in different parts of the society still


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made in their local environment have become global events that comeback to have an impact on local spaces

5) Movement and practices of different culture, values andconcerns from one place to another, and lastly;

6) People are able to customize their own ideas, values andlifestyles from the mixture of knowledge from all parts of the world.

These processes showed the capabilities of the digital age in the

micro-level of things. Political writers were reluctant on accepting this said

era as a transformative factor of how states deal with everyday situation

internally and externally. But because of impossible halting of such trends,

governments, international organizations and other non-state actors have

also adapted to the digital age. They have utilized the means of technology

to move forward with goals and projects, especially with security.

INFORMATION AND OTHERS FORMS OF TECHNOLOGY ON GLOBAL

SECURITY

Handling of information is one of the critical skills that states have to

master in order to protect their security. Information is the key to many

forms of warfare through its influence on telecommunications and networks.

It is a vital weapon in which it can provide data on enemy attacks, security

measures, people movement and many more.

Through the use of computers, viruses, and softwares, the struggle

for security starts of in the electronic mainstream. Even though that it is

intangible data being fought for, it can disable several networks all over the

world especially in the digital age wherein technology is in every aspect of

the human life. Businesses can go bankrupt with just a few clicks of

hacking. Viruses can spread rampantly, invading the privacy of those


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people in the society. In fact, even at the largest scale of things, the worst

thing that can happen is that world systems can shut down in an instant,

causing fear and trauma for the people once the government is unable to

provide the protection they were entitled to before. (Greenberg, et. Al.,

1998)

Because of the digital age, there is a higher degree of transparency

of world politics for every person to see. This has been continuously

pursued by nongovernmental organizations in their pursuit of a stronger

protection of human rights and access to freedom. The phenomenon has

open up the government to be held accountable in their role for global

human security. It has been an effective means for these organizations to

use it for transnational advocacies as it is not only confine within the

boundaries of the state. Some analysts are convinced that the successes

of their campaigns is greatly influenced by the power of the digital age.

The military aspect of global security also changed. It has grown

from a reckless form of attack, like the kamikaze pilots of World War II, to a

more calculated and even dangerous tactic. Coordinates enable the

military in precised warfare, knowing when and how they can attack the

enemy without creating a dangerous experience for their citizens. States

and terrorist groups alike can strike where the enemy is the weakest and

create a facade for people that nothing is going on the surface of things.

Wars can be happening without people realizing it because of the

manipulation of information. Also, there are also developments in the


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weapons used by the states in dealing with security. It is evident during the

Cold War period that nuclear arms race is proven to be the competition of

leading technological capacities of states. Other forms fall under biological,

chemical and even psychological warfare.

US MILITARY TECHNOLOGY

The United States of America is the global hegemon for many

decades after the Cold War. This position put them at the receiving end of

threats in the global arena. Even as a democratic country, it has put all

forms of defenses for these threats. The latter always change rapidly and

thats why the US government has to improve on its security much more.

In order to stay ahead of the game, the US defense agencies always

make it top priority to be have their military forces superior compared to

other states. These members of the military are highly trained on special

operations that deals with great sensitivity related to the nations security.

US should rely primarily on its technologically advancedintelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, airpower,and special operations forces to combat terrorist organizations... Specialoperations forces may be particularly important to secure weapons ofmass destruction in failing states or during civil conflicts involvingorganizations hostile to the US. (Peterson Foundation, 2012)

The advancement of US military technology is comparatively higher

than others. They have developed complex networks of information sharing

and information as well as surveillance to preemptive threats. Even though

that military spending is being cut, the arsenal of the countries are still

highly competitive for their efficiency and accuracy in the field. They have

programs that can detect possible risks in any parts of the world. With the


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use of satellites, surveillance and information can be within in their grasps

easily. The government is able to plan counter-insurgency measures and

such in case another September 11 attack might arise. They also stay

connected with other states to coordinate security plans through

improvement of information-sharing on different terrorist groups and

international criminals that can provide danger for the people.

CYBERPLANNING OF AL-QAEDA

Al-Qaeda is one of the leading terrorist groups of the world today

coming from the Middle East that is described to be Islamic extremists and

launched ajihad. Even though that most of their activities involved guerrilla

warfare, evidences have shown that they have also been using technology

to increase the strength of the group. According to Thomas (2003),

Al-Qaeda is also one of the users of information technology. Different

reports showed that computers from Afghanistan contained detail plans of

the September 11 attack and other related events. Cyberplanning enabled

the said terrorist group to conduct these strategies without being

immediately caught by authorities. The Internet has provided them

unrevealed identities and command without any restriction from the law.

Because data is stored in computers in the digital age, it can be hacked by

experts of the terrorists groups and this will help them plan calculated

strategies with the information they have gathered. Al-Qaeda has now thr

ability to retrieve such information without being physically near to the


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location where it is being stored. This has also been their method of

communication with other personnel regarding the accurate execution of

attacks and spreading terror.

There are also evidences wherein Al-Qaeda have spread

information with the use of technology. Different hosting sites are filled with

videos allegedly coming from the group that discloses horrifying messages

and propaganda to recruit Muslims in joining their cause. They are also

instances wherein humanitarian reliefs for Muslims have connection with

the funding of the group. They were able to call for donations supposedly to

be used for scholarships and rehabilitation projects. But the money is

transferred to the bank accounts of some Al-Qaeda members and used for

their attacks.

CONCLUSION

The subject area of security has brought upon vast knowledge and

perception on how it is accepted in the international arena. From being

limited to as a state affair into a matter that involves individuals, the

definition and scope security has broadened and sometimes created

debates for multiple school of thoughts. The changes that the digital age

has brought on the societal scope of events also affected on how the world

politics ran in international relations. Since one of the focuses of

international relations is security, technology has been adapted in this

phenomenon. Its implications are greatly felt through the usage of


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information and communication. As there is the existence of good effects

like how ones state improved its military capacity by employing technology

to manage threats and easier access to information have prevented the

transpiration of threats, it has also provided means for dangerous groups to

spread terror not only in the country they were located but they can strike

an attack in any part of the world. The digital age has opened the

accessibility of both information and innovation to possibly anyone who

knows how to fully maximize the use of technology. It can be used for the

better or worst of global security situations. All thats left is how the actors

of international relations will manage the cyberspace created by the digital

age and find ways of adapting to it efficiently.


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