Changing dimensions of security in post-cold war period

Changing dimensions of security in post-cold war period

An impactful outcome of the end of cold war on global security affairs is the world where military interventions were became the only threats to the security. There came the era where security affairs have to be thought in relation to environment, economy, culture and perhaps least in relation to military interventions. Changing dimensions of security in post-cold war period cab be discussed efficiently under the following broad topic heads:

®Rise in conflicts related to separatism and ethnic nationalism.

®International terrorism threating global peace.

®Change in approaches to interstate competition since economic worries get the centre stage.

®Rise in threats to environment.

The post-cold war era can be predominantly termed as modern era of civil wars. The established peaceful lines separating a state from the other were and are being challenged. Apart from more conflicts are of intra state nature than interstate. In the middle east, Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria,  Jordan, Israel, Palestine, Yemen, Pakistan etc. , in the Africa, Somalia, Sudan, Egypt, Libya, Algeria, Mali, Niger, Congo etc. are few of the states badly affected by advent of civil wars. In civil wars, there nothing ‘civil’ in that. Few of the deadliest weapons of modern era are being used against so called enemy mainly ending us hurting innocent citizens. The highest lose is of innocent civilians and their property. It seems the paradigm of security is now changed to human centric than state centric especially after cold war. Human security is prime is issue now.

Experiences of religious and radical intolerance have been gradually developed as form of terrorism. Radicalisation of religious beliefs is one of the gravest worries especially after the end of cold war. Amalgamation  of drug and trafficking mafia grouping with radical religious fronts with the blessings of selfish political outfits have created cross border networks of important supplies threatening the security of  the state. The havoc and charged atmosphere created after every successful terror attacks do weaken the state’s credulity and subsequently authority. This sort of atmosphere fuels the civil wars.

The most threatening establishment that has got its profound presence is international terrorist organisation. Majority of 35 odd terrorist organizations designated by the United Nations have come into existence after the end of cold war. The signature event showing the malicious and dangerous idea of these organizations was 9/11 in the US. It showed how the mightiest military power in the world could be shaken and faith of millions of peaceful people can be trembled. It is considered as a turning point in global security regime. The London bombings, attacks on embassy, Indian and Afghan parliaments and strong emergence of radical terrorist organization Al Qaeda under the leadership of Osama Bin Laden were few of the grave happenings that have defined the new state security realities in early 2000s. Recent advent of emergence of the Islamic State of Iraq and Levan (ISIL) is considered dangerous threat than the earlier to world peace.

Non-military threats to security are important aspects arose mainly after end of the cold war. There are two main subjects of a state with which threats to state security are being thought: 1. Matters related to economic stability and growth and 2. Matters concerning environmental degradation. Financial stability of a country, foreign flows, energy supplies are few of the most important sectors of economy that are now target in new world order. Economic insecurities are pushing for radical change in political regime as for example the Suhurto regime. It has ignited revolutions too many a times.  States like Nauru, Fiji, Kiribati, Borabora and entire Caribbean are under existential threats due to global environment degradation. The United Nations has recognised this fact for small developing islands. These nations are at the blink of submergence.

The post-cold war era has seen qualitative change and shift in the perception about threats to security. Non-military dimensions occupy considerable space in the imagination of security policy makers. That is a sea change and significant too along with worries for speedily rising civil wars and international terrorism.