Traditional Security Theory: Exploring External Threats and Military Powers

Traditional Security Theory 1
DISCUSSION REPORT ON TRADITIONAL SECURITY THEORY
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Traditional Security Theory 2
Discussion Report on Traditional Security Theory
Traditional security explores the capabilities of a country in defending itself against external threats. The
theory is a realistic construct and holds that the only referent for security is the state. Taking security
measures involves the protection of the country from invasion executed during conflicts through the military
powers. This essay will provide a deeper approach to traditional security theory through analysis of various
elements such as the primary cause of insecurity and suggestions on how to achieve security.
Traditional security is best understood by studying nuclear weapons and the reality of the cold war
(Dhillon and Blackhouse 2001, p. 135). The political realism and strategy during this time were by using
nuclear weapons, which was considered a form of military power. Nuclear weapon thus provided crisis
stability, prevention against conventional war and foreign policy support (Wohlforth 2009, p. 30). From a
moral point of view, even though nuclear weapons are fundamentally evil, they can contribute to
maintaining stability between states. However, a nuclear weapon is not enough to maintain peace between
states due to the nonstate actors. An example is the Indian and Pakistan conflict which despite the two trying
to avoid the breakout of the nuclear war, actions from the terrorists or the nonstate actors triggered the
conflict. Conflict arises because both parties blame each other for being the driving force in these actions.
Traditional security approach explores threats against the political integrity of the state, values, and
sovereignty. This approach consists of military, weapons and armaments systems, which are aimed at
building relations between the states for security purposes (Baldwin 1997, p. 15). However, due to the
technological advances, the concept of the traditional approach is also changing as it is encamped with new
ideas and political evolution. International Relations like EU has played a significant role in shaping the
security agenda of the states. For instance, the United Nations promotes the concept of multilateralism as a
form of security protection.
Karis, one of my fellow students posted that, traditional security is still relevant and that elements of
realism form the foundation of International Relational theory. This is true to a great extent when looking at
power nations like the US, South and North Korea and the nuclearization threat that they cause leading to
the negotiation summits to avoid breaking of wars. However, at the regional level, there has been a new
form of corporation that is growing not only in Europe but also in Asia. Weapons and armaments which are