In contemporary society, security is a vital and pervasive concern. Therefore, the need to discuss the field of security studies arises. This discipline delves into the concept of security and the actors responsible for providing it. This essay aims to broadly overview the main topics that concern the subject and to discuss the state of the field of security studies. The various questions raised by and discussed in security studies show that this is a rich and vast subject.
In modern cultures, security is a crucial and widespread issue that strongly impacts and informs international politics. It is referred to as an “essentially contested concept” by social scientists, alluding to the fact that there can be no agreement on what security means (Williams 1). The area of security studies examines the idea of security and the people who provide it, such as nations, non-state entities, international organizations, and private citizens. The idea of security is divided into two broad philosophies. The first philosophy contends that in order for an actor to feel comfortable, they must possess specific resources, such as land, money, and armies, and that the path to security lies in gaining power (Williams 6). The second philosophy contests the notion that power breeds security and views security as being founded on liberation or concern with justice and the protection of human rights (Williams 6). The question of who or what should serve as the ultimate referent object for security studies is still debatable.
The question of whose security is the point of discussion is a significant and ongoing topic in security studies. The most common response throughout history has been that states are the most significant referents for security (Williams 8). This is reflected in the conventional concentration of security studies on state actions and arguments over how they develop and carry out their security policies. Additionally, security studies courses have traditionally included a focus on the activities of international organizations. However, there has been a rising understanding recently that security should also be viewed in terms of the security of people and groups (Williams 8). As a result, more attention is being paid to the functions that non-state players, including social movements, humanitarian and development organizations, private security firms, insurgents, and criminal organizations, play as both agents of security and insecurity. The notion that security is founded on liberation, a concern with justice and the protection of human rights, has also been gaining ground in the sphere (Williams 8). Because of this, there is constant discussion in the area over the difficult and nuanced issue of whose security is being discussed.
It is evident that security is a contentious notion and that its significance can change depending on the viewpoint and situation. Security studies is a highly political field since it is both an academic endeavor and one motivated by the need to provide security for individual citizens. This emphasizes how crucial it is to comprehend the many theoretical viewpoints and techniques and be aware of the political aspect of security and its function in resource allocation. Furthermore, it is critical to think about whose security is being discussed and to be aware of the various actors and their responsibilities in the supply of security. Overall, it is evident that security studies are a complicated subject and that understanding it requires a multidisciplinary approach.
It is clear that security is a complex and debatable topic, and its importance can vary depending on the perspective and context. A crucial aspect of the topic is the distinction between the two security philosophies, one of which emphasizes the possession of specific items and the other of which emphasizes the interactions between actors. Understanding the historical and contemporary context, as well as taking a nuanced and critical approach, is vital in the study of security.
Work Cited
Williams, Paul. Security Studies: An Introduction. Routledge, 2013.