National Security in the Shadow of the Future

The concept of national security is no longer limited to the military, security, or even economic dimensions. Rather, it has expanded to include social, environmental, technical, digital, and even health aspects.

‘National Security’ implies a set of strategies in the field of individual and societal safety and protection from external and internal threats, including political, economical, social, military, technogenic, environmental, and informational factors. The concept of national security appeared in the 1940s after World War II’s devastations. The rebuilt world requires strict division between allies and adversaries with sufficient force and efforts to maintain control over the country’s safety and well-being. But the world has drastically changed since then, and new conditions require new approaches. The glorious times of military dominance and total surveillance are almost gone, and the 21^st century needs cooperation and coordination, not pressure and control. National Security’s approach needs to be updated with consideration to the rapid changes in global politics, economics, and ecology.

The Brave New Security Strategy

Interestingly, national security is not solely the responsibility of serious “men in black”, combats and generals. It is a common and shared responsibility. New challenges demand all citizens’ participation with proper regulation, management, and negotiation of their actions. It is also a global question, as almost all of the major security threats are global issues.

National security has to also expand new horizons and accept new challenges, as it is not limited by political or economic issues, and goes far beyond conventional opposition to geopolitical adversaries or fights with terrorism. New threats expand to cyberspace, the environment, and even healthcare.

Invisible Threats

The most drastic change in the field of national security in the last decade is the loss of visible and sensible threats that could be physically eliminated or attacked. An example is cyberattacks, which are organized almost every day and target private companies and governmental institutions. One properly organized successful attack can disrupt the functioning of a whole system responsible for electricity or water supply, leading to leakage of secret data or disrupting the military operation. Cyberattacks may kill citizens and endanger security without a single shot fired, with just lines of computer code and often with foreign governments’ assistance. While the nation becomes dependent on cyberspace, its protection and prevention of cyberattacks became a task of pivotal importance.

International cooperation in preventing the consequences of climate change is also becoming an important aspect of national security. The 20th century proved to be disastrous for the planet and many of its ecosystems. Air and soil pollution, wasteful use of resources, plastic, and chemical waste have already affected millions of people’s health. Climate change also leads to flooding of coastal areas and reduction of freshwater sources, which can lead to new wars and a struggle for resources. Undoubtedly, environmental security is one of the most dramatic questions today, especially with many countries’ refusal to participate in environmental programs, limit their pollution levels or responsibly explore resources. Obviously, the only solution for decreasing or eliminating the threat of profound pollution of lands and air is international agreements and cooperation.

Of course, in terms of health security, СOVID-19 has shown us the vulnerability of the healthcare system and economy. The number of interconnections between countries that arose in the era of globalization proved to be disastrous during the spread of the virus. Many countries have resorted to reducing trade and passenger movement with other countries in order to protect their populations. The current pandemic has shown us how vulnerable entire industries are, as well as economies and healthcare systems that were not ready to respond to a high level of epidemiological threats. International cooperation needs to improve to prevent the spread of dangerous viruses and biological threats.

New times and new threats demand new tools for national security. The only thing that is clear is that no country can manage its security independently – each country should be involved in a global security environment. The growing threats in the field of information, environmental and epidemiological security require new solutions, and a renewed approach to national security must take into account the rapidly changing environment in the 21st century.