---
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entity_type: "chapter"
id: "66dfe2873f8b4e9e69bf8371"
title: "Security in the Contemporary World"
board: "CBSE"
curriculum: "CBSE"
class: "Class 12"
subject: "Political Science"
book: "Contemporary World Politics"
chapter: "Security in the Contemporary World"
chapter_slug: "security-in-the-contemporary-world"
canonical_url: "https://www.edzy.ai/cbse-class-12-political-science-contemporary-world-politics-security-in-the-contemporary-world"
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source: "Edzy"
version: 1
last_updated: "2026-06-20"
---

# Security in the Contemporary World

This chapter examines the evolving notions of security in the context of contemporary world politics, particularly focusing on both traditional and non-traditional security concerns, especially as they relate to India. It highlights the need for a broader understanding of security beyond military threats and emphasizes the importance of human security and contextual factors in shaping security perceptions.

---

## Knowledge Snapshot

| Field | Details |
| :--- | :--- |
| Class | Class 12 |
| Subject | Political Science |
| Book | Contemporary World Politics |
| Chapter | Security in the Contemporary World |
| Pages | 63-80 |

---

## Chapter Summary

### Short Summary
This chapter discusses the complexities surrounding the terms 'security' and 'national security', emphasizing the importance of human security over narrow interpretations that focus solely on state-centric threats.

### Detailed Summary
The chapter opens by questioning the meaning of terms such as 'security' and 'national security', arguing that they are often used to suppress debate. Citizens in a democracy must engage with the issues surrounding security, particularly in the context of India. The 1994 UNDP’s Human Development Report critiqued the traditional focus on state security at the expense of human needs. It contends that true security involves freedom from threats, which should not be overly broad to avoid trivializing important issues.

Moreover, the chapter delineates traditional and non-traditional frameworks of security. The traditional view is predominantly about military threats, focusing on how nations protect themselves from external aggression while recognizing that internal security is equally vital. In light of the past several decades, internal conflicts have become the primary battleground for crises.

Effective policymaking regarding security also involves cooperation to mitigate violence and legitimate military actions. By accounting for both military and human security needs, the chapter advocates for a more inclusive understanding of the concept of security.

---

## Topic-Wise Explanation

### Introduction to Security
This section introduces the concept of security, emphasizing its importance in a democratic context and the necessity for civic engagement in discussions of national security concerns.

### Traditional Notions of Security
Traditional security is primarily concerned with military threats, focusing on the actions of other states that may jeopardize national sovereignty and civilian safety during conflicts.

### Cooperation in Traditional Security
This topic discusses cooperative measures in security, including alliances and military strategies aimed at deterrence and defense, and the importance of addressing both internal and external threats.

### Non-Traditional Notions of Security
Non-traditional security includes threats beyond military concerns, such as poverty and health crises, thereby expanding the understanding of what constitutes security in today's interconnected world.

### India's Security Strategy
Explores India’s unique security challenges, highlighting how both traditional military and non-traditional human security concerns shape its strategic responses.

---

## Core Ideas

| Idea | Explanation |
| :--- | :--- |
| Security as Freedom from Threats | Security fundamentally means freedom from varied threats to national and individual well-being, leading to diverse interpretations across contexts. |

---

## Key Concepts

| Concept | Meaning |
| :--- | :--- |
| Human Security | A broader interpretation of security that prioritizes the needs and safety of individuals rather than just the state. |
| Traditional Security | Security concerns primarily focused on military threats and state sovereignty. |

---

## Important Points for Revision

* Security is often framed in a way that limits public discussion in a democratic setting.
* The 1994 UNDP report highlights the narrow interpretation of security focused on state-level concerns.
* There is a distinction between traditional military threats and broader non-traditional threats.
* Internal security issues are crucial in addressing the overall security strategy of nations.
* The balance of power concept is integral to traditional security discussions.
* Post-World War II, a majority of conflicts have emerged within states rather than between them.
* States must engage in cooperation and dialogue to address both military and non-military security threats.
* Redefining security in terms of human needs requires a shift in policy priorities.

---

## Vocabulary and Glossary

| Word / Phrase | Meaning |
| :--- | :--- |
| National Security | The safety and defense of a nation, typically in relation to military threats. |
| Core Values | Fundamental beliefs or principles that are crucial for the identity and integrity of individuals or nations. |

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## Practice Questions

### Short Answer Questions
1. How do traditional and non-traditional notions of security differ?
2. What role does human security play in defining security concerns?
3. Describe the concept of balance of power in traditional security.
4. Why is internal security important for national security?
5. How can cooperation enhance security among states?

### Long Answer Questions
1. Discuss the implications of the 1994 UNDP report on the understanding of security in contemporary politics.
2. Analyze the security challenges faced by newly-independent nations and how they differ from those in established countries.
3. Assess India's security strategy in light of both traditional and non-traditional security concerns.

---

## Source Attribution

| Field | Value |
| :--- | :--- |
| Source | Edzy |
| Reference Type | examSubjectBookChapter |
| Reference ID | 66dfe2873f8b4e9e69bf8371 |
| Canonical URL | https://www.edzy.ai/cbse-class-12-political-science-contemporary-world-politics-security-in-the-contemporary-world |
| Markdown URL | https://www.edzy.ai/okf/chapter/cbse-class-12-political-science-contemporary-world-politics-security-in-the-contemporary-world.md |