Introduction
Political scientists believe strongly that security is a subjective term. Traditional concepts of security have propagated specific notions such as poverty reduction, world peace, and national security (Walt 1991, p. 214#). The meaning of security has been broadened to accommodate most of the events experienced in the world such as globalization, terrorism, and changing technology. This paper seeks to support the idea that new technologies present both possibilities and threats to contemporary global security.
New Technology and Contemporary Global Security
What is Contemporary Security?
Baldwin (1997) indicates that security is an important concept used ‘to justify suspending civil liberties, making war, and reallocating resources’ (p. 9**). It is also evident that security is an area that has not received desirable attention within the past few years. The concept of security is now gaining the attention of researchers and experts in global affairs than ever before. Traditional ideas of security have been overridden by modern notions that have led to new conceptualizations. Baldwin (1997, p. 6#) acknowledges that contemporary security should be defined as a country’s capability to maintain its superiority.
The conception empowers nations to think deeply and identify new threats that can inform various policies. This argument shows conclusively that contemporary security has been expanded to capture the impacts of globalization and modern technology on both international security and global relations. The definition reveals the complexity of security and the reason it should be examined from a wide range of perspectives. Contemporary security, therefore, has emerged as an interdisciplinary field due to the changes experienced in the world today. However, earlier scholars in the field were preoccupied with threatening issues such as nuclear energy. This focus has now shifted to topics such as ‘grand strategy, conventional warfare, and the domestic sources’ (Walt 1991, p. 211**).
Emergence of New Technologies
Historians argue that the upheavals experienced in Europe from 1910 to 1945 catalyzed numerous innovations that changed the way nations interact with each other (Smith 2016). The period was defined by two global wars that led to the death of millions of people. The concept of warfare was transformed using avant-garde technologies. Different nations such as Germany, Russia, and the United States were observed to take charge of various technological developments (Barkawi 2011, p. 5#). Various human aspects such as communication, transport, and surveillance were improved.
These world wars led to the creation of the first atomic bomb. The catastrophic implications of technology continue to affect thousands of Japanese citizens today (Smith 2016, p. 169#). The world also woke up to a new era of improved communication. The Germans were observed to pursue new strategies such as the use of enigma codes. These advancements became predecessors for modern technologies and methods of communication utilized today.
Modern technologies appear to transform almost every aspect of human activity. For instance, the world is discovering new things such as weapons of mass destruction, nuclear bombs, and dangerous chemicals. Most of these innovations have the potential to kill millions of people. Within the past few years, drones have become common in different parts of the world. Autonomous vehicles are being tested in countries such as Japan and the United States (Smith 2016, p. 175#). Wearable devices are also evident such as sensors and watches. Biological weapons are being developed in different parts of the world. Such deadly chemicals can support a nation’s global agenda.
Social media platforms have transformed the way people communicate and share information. Mobile devices are making it easier for people to collect and share information. Google maps and tracking devices are currently used by different organizations and military agencies (Smith 2016, p. 179#). The internet is arguably one of the biggest intentions of the 20th century. This technology has catalyzed numerous innovations capable of reshaping human life. With these technologies and communication advancements, it becomes quite clear that the world might never be the same again.
Technological Developments and Global Security
The above developments and advancements in technology have become resourceful for nations that want to pursue their aims. Waltz (1991) acknowledges that ‘international politics is sparsely defined by anarchy’ (p. 2**). From this understanding, it becomes clear that different nations and groups capitalize on these developments to achieve their goals. For instance, states can use advanced technologies such as drones to monitor their enemies’ preparedness to wage war. Drones are believed to play a significant role in espionage and clandestine missions (Baron 2013, para. 4#). Technologies such as autonomous vehicles and drones have been applied to save lives after terrorist attacks or natural disasters.
The era of electronic communication has been fuelled by the use of social media, globalization, and the power of the internet. These approaches are being used by nations to pursue their aims. Neorealism has become a guiding principle for countries that want to use different resources to protect their interests. International security is now focusing on the ‘interdependence of nation-states with respect to their security relations’ (Waltz 2004, p. 26**).
Nations are usually uncertain of the intentions of their neighbors or rivals. This situation explains why North Korea is capturing the attention of many countries due to its ambition to produce nuclear weapons (Kristof 2017, para. 4#). The use of new technologies is capable of making other nations feel threatened. Superpowers would not want other nations to develop military capabilities because they might threaten their survival (Baron 2013, para. 1#).
The conflicts experienced in Syria and Yemen have benefited from the utilization of drone technology to survey and monitor different activities. These technological approaches have led to positive outcomes. Drones are also being used in various missions such as monitoring weapons, terrorism, and criminal activities (Smith 2016, p. 189#). This is a clear indication that different technologies can help nations to protect their territories and prepare themselves against potential threats.
The elemental interest of states is ‘to protect their physical, political, and cultural identities against encroachments by other nations’ (Shepherd & Weldes 2008, p. 530**). Nations will continue to study and utilize technologies to improve their military strengths, acquire powerful equipment, and eventually realize their potential. The ultimate goal is for such countries to protect their citizens while at the same time dismantling potential threats.
On the other hand, technological changes have led to numerous threats to contemporary global security. This scenario supports the unique role of neorealism in global and international affairs. Neorealism remains a powerful theory for analyzing the major influences ‘emanating from Greece, Italy, Germany, and America’ (Waltz 2004, p. 6**). Emerging technologies and innovations have, therefore, compelled many scholars to take the concept of neorealism theory seriously. This idea guides nations to understand the implications and issues arising from international relations.
The structural theory reveals that the world is becoming dangerous than ever before. It is evident that modern technologies are pursued by terrorist groups to attack their enemies. Criminals have used biological weapons to wage war against nations (Walt 1991, p. 224#). The emergence of social media makes it possible for terrorist groups to recruit young people. This move has presented a major challenge to many societies due to the problem of terror. Criminal groups use different means of communication to propagate lies in this era of fake news. These changes explain why terrorist attacks and wars have become common.
Globalization and the use of new inventions have made it possible for terrorists to pursue their missions using superior weapons (Sanger, Sang-Hun & Rich 2017, para. 4#). Propaganda has become a new threat to international relations. Different groups and nations are also capitalizing on modern technologies to spread fake news. These processes have fueled animosities in different parts of the world. Cyber-crime is a social evil arising from the power of technology. More nations should brace themselves for tough times thanks to every innovation emerging from technological advancements.
Conclusion
This discussion has revealed that the notion of neorealism should be taken seriously than ever before. The emerging complexity should guide nations to develop adequate internal policies and deal with foreign threats (Shepherd & Weldes 2008, p. 533#). It is agreeable that modern technologies present both opportunities and threats that can undermine the survival of different nations. The benefits and threats appear to be double-edged. Terrorists and sovereignties can use these developments to their own advantage. A threat to a nation can be viewed as an opportunity for a criminal or terrorist. In conclusion, modern developments in communication and technology pose greater opportunities and challenges to international relations.
Reference List
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