Uncertainty has grown considerably after the end of the Cold War. In the place of one big threat a plenitude of many “smaller” and more incalculable risks superseded. New dangers have emerged or become more salient as compared to former times (like environmental issues, IT problems, or economic crises), while “old” ones have not entirely vanished. The risks emanating from WMDs or the threat of wars remain existent, albeit sometimes in an altered form.
Several factors have contributed to the alteration of the threat and risk pattern: in the main, the transition to a multipolar world order, the processes of globalization, and last but not least the diminishing importance of borders and of the sovereign nation-state as such are decisive. Hence, the vulnerability of civil society has increased considerably, as open societies are more risk-prone.
In reaction to these developments, academics and politicians have refined the traditional concept of national security into a broader notion, considering a multitude of aspects affecting the safety of the human being as such. In consequence the classical security architecture is being adapted bit by bit to the conditions of the 21st century. On each level, i.e. the national, regional as well as international layers, diverse mechanisms have been developed – as exemplary illustrated with reference to the transnational danger of terrorism.
Table of Contents
A. THE GROWTH OF UNCERTAINTY AFTER THE END OF THE COLD WAR
1. Causes for the growth of uncertainty
1.1. Systemic heritage and transformation
1.2. Full-scale globalization
1.3. The change of statehood
2. New dangers in brief
2.1. Intra-state conflicts
2.2. Poverty
2.3. Resource conflicts
2.4. Economic risks
2.5. Environmental degradation
2.6. Global arms trade and proliferation of WMD
2.7. International terrorism
2.8. IT dangers
2.9. Pandemics
B. THE IMPACT OF GROWING UNCERTAINTY ON THE SECURITY ENVIRONMENT OF STATES
1. A new concept of security – human security
2. Changing security policy
2.1. National efforts
2.2. Regional measures
2.3. Global solutions
Research Objectives and Key Themes
This thesis examines the dramatic increase in global uncertainty following the end of the Cold War and its subsequent impact on how states define and pursue security in a multipolar, globalized world. The central research objective is to analyze how the transition from a clear-cut bipolar threat structure to a complex, transnational risk landscape has necessitated a fundamental shift in security thinking—moving from a traditional, state-centric, military-focused approach toward a broader, multidimensional concept of security.
- The systemic transition from a bipolar world order to a complex, multipolar environment.
- The role of full-scale globalization in facilitating new, transnational security threats.
- The erosion of traditional state authority and territorial sovereignty.
- The shift from a traditional national security paradigm to a human security perspective.
- The institutional responses to contemporary threats, using international terrorism as a primary case study.
Excerpt from the Book
1.3. The change of statehood
The traditional Westphalian nation-state as we know it has come under considerable pressure over the last two decades. The achievements of full-scale globalization have contributed to slowly erode the two core elements of the modern state: territoriality and sovereignty. The more a society proverbially opens up, the more vulnerable to transnational threats it becomes.
The classical notion of the modern state involves “distinct boundaries, and the Westphalian idea of sovereignty stresses the principle of the inviolability of those borders” (Biersteker 2002, p. 157). However, as social activities bit by bit become “detached from a territorial logic” (Scholte 2000a, p. 47), the territorially defined space is gradually left behind. Above all, the internet along with advanced telecommunication technologies, but also progress in the transportation sector, have made boundaries easier penetrable, and thus leaving the time behind, in which borders stood for the defense from outside threats (Caporaso 2002, p. 7). Concerning the exchange of information and immaterial goods, physical borders in no way pose a noteworthy obstacle any more. The most explicit example is the financial sector, i.e. the transactions through which those inconceivable sums of assets are shuffled around the globe instantaneously and for almost no costs, thus bypassing any territorially bound state control.
As borders become more and more blurred, governments increasingly lack effective means to secure territorial integrity. Growing interconnectedness has come to undermine the state’s legitimate role of implementing economic and social policies, but also security measures within its assigned territory. This fact first and foremost applies to the global dangers of international terrorism (due to the complication of controlling the infiltration of radical ideas), and moreover to environmental pollution, which doesn’t make halt at borders. In the end, as Rosenau infers, “states can exercise little control over the flows of ideas, money, goods, pollution, crime, drugs and terrorism” (2002, p. 74).
Summary of Chapters
A. THE GROWTH OF UNCERTAINTY AFTER THE END OF THE COLD WAR: This chapter analyzes how the end of the bipolar Cold War order led to a multipolar system, where systemic transformations, globalization, and the erosion of statehood create new, unpredictable risks.
1. Causes for the growth of uncertainty: This section details the systemic drivers of current instability, focusing on the transition from the bipolar Cold War structure, the acceleration of globalization, and the changing nature of the nation-state.
2. New dangers in brief: This section provides an overview of nine specific transnational threats—ranging from intra-state conflict and economic risks to cyber warfare and pandemics—that have become increasingly salient.
B. THE IMPACT OF GROWING UNCERTAINTY ON THE SECURITY ENVIRONMENT OF STATES: This chapter investigates the theoretical and practical responses to the changing security landscape, specifically the shift toward broader security concepts and multi-level governance.
1. A new concept of security – human security: This chapter tracks the evolution of the term "security," detailing the critique of traditional state-centric definitions and the emergence of "human security" as a multidimensional alternative.
2. Changing security policy: This section explores how states are adapting their security strategies through national, regional, and global mechanisms, with a specific focus on the complex, integrated efforts required to combat international terrorism.
Keywords
Cold War, Globalization, Uncertainty, Westphalian state, National security, Human security, Transnational threats, Multipolarity, Terrorism, Risk management, International organizations, Sovereignty, Global governance, Interdependence, Security policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core argument of this thesis?
The work argues that the post-Cold War era has replaced a single, clear military threat with a diverse array of amorphous, transnational risks. This evolution forces states to move beyond traditional military-centric security models and adopt more comprehensive, integrated, and multilevel governance strategies.
Which key thematic areas are covered?
The thesis covers the transition of global systemic structures, the impact of globalization on sovereignty, the emergence of specific threats like cybercrime and environmental degradation, and the development of new security concepts such as human security.
What is the primary research goal?
The goal is to analyze how the changed global security environment affects states and to evaluate the effectiveness of current national and international policy responses in addressing contemporary, complex risks.
Which methodology does the author employ?
The research is based on a comprehensive literature analysis of international relations theories and current security studies, which is then applied to the specific case study of international terrorism.
What does the main part of the thesis examine?
The main part is divided into two parts: first, it identifies the causes of growing global uncertainty and outlines various transnational threats; second, it explores how states have responded by redefining security and developing cooperative policy structures at national, regional, and global levels.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include globalization, security governance, human security, transnational threats, and the transformation of the Westphalian nation-state.
How does globalization specifically impact national security?
According to the thesis, globalization erodes territorial borders and complicates state control, making states more vulnerable to flows of money, ideas, and threats that transcend national boundaries, thus weakening the traditional state monopoly on security provision.
Why is the "human security" concept controversial?
Many scholars criticize the human security concept as being too broad and vague, lacking practical guidance for policymakers who must still operate within the traditional state-centric system to ensure security.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Natalie Züfle (Autor:in), 2009, The growth of uncertainty after the end of the Cold War and its impact on the security environment of states, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/180017
