CBSE Class 12 Political Science (2026–27)
Chapter 5: Security in the Contemporary World
20 Important Questions and Answers
Security in the contemporary world includes both traditional (military) and non-traditional (human and environmental) dimensions. The chapter focuses on national security, human security, terrorism, arms control, disarmament, and India’s security strategy.
1. What is meant by security in contemporary world politics?
Answer:
Security means freedom from threats to the core values of individuals and states. Traditionally, security referred mainly to protecting a country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence from external military threats. However, in the contemporary world, security has acquired a broader meaning. It includes protection from non-military threats such as terrorism, poverty, climate change, epidemics, and environmental degradation. Security today is viewed not only from the perspective of the state but also from that of individuals and communities. Therefore, modern security combines military preparedness with social, economic, environmental, and human welfare concerns to ensure a peaceful and stable society.
2. What are the main features of the traditional notion of security?
Answer:
The traditional notion of security focuses on the protection of the state from external military threats. It assumes that the state is the most important actor in international politics and that its sovereignty and territorial integrity must be safeguarded. Traditional security emphasizes military power, defence preparedness, deterrence, alliances, and war prevention. It generally views threats as coming from other states. During the Cold War, this concept dominated international relations, leading countries to strengthen their armed forces and develop strategic alliances. Traditional security remains important because military aggression and border conflicts still pose significant challenges to national security in many regions of the world.
3. Explain the concept of non-traditional security.
Answer:
Non-traditional security broadens the meaning of security beyond military threats. It focuses on dangers that affect the quality of human life and social stability. These threats include poverty, hunger, diseases, environmental degradation, climate change, terrorism, migration, and natural disasters. The concept argues that security should protect individuals and communities, not just states. Non-traditional security recognizes that many modern challenges cannot be solved through military force alone and require international cooperation. For example, global pandemics and environmental problems affect all countries irrespective of borders. Thus, non-traditional security highlights human welfare, sustainable development, and collective action as essential elements of maintaining peace and stability.
4. Differentiate between traditional and non-traditional security.
Answer:
Traditional security focuses on protecting the state from external military threats, while non-traditional security addresses threats affecting human well-being. Traditional security emphasizes military power, defence, alliances, and warfare. In contrast, non-traditional security deals with issues such as poverty, terrorism, diseases, environmental degradation, and climate change. Traditional security considers the state as the main object of protection, whereas non-traditional security includes individuals, communities, and humanity as a whole. While military measures are central to traditional security, non-traditional security relies on cooperation, development policies, and international institutions. Both approaches are important and complement each other in addressing contemporary global challenges.
5. What is meant by human security?
Answer:
Human security refers to the protection of people rather than merely protecting states. It focuses on ensuring freedom from fear, freedom from want, and a life of dignity. Human security includes economic security, food security, health security, environmental security, personal safety, and political freedom. The concept emerged because many threats to human life are not military in nature. Poverty, unemployment, diseases, and environmental disasters can be as dangerous as armed conflicts. Human security aims to create conditions in which individuals can live safely and develop their full potential. It emphasizes welfare, human rights, and sustainable development as essential components of security.
6. What is global security?
Answer:
Global security refers to the idea that security challenges are interconnected and cannot be addressed by individual countries alone. Many contemporary threats such as climate change, terrorism, pandemics, cybercrime, and environmental degradation transcend national boundaries. Therefore, collective international efforts are necessary to tackle them. Global security emphasizes cooperation among states, international organizations, and civil society. It recognizes that insecurity in one region can affect the entire world. Institutions like the United Nations play an important role in promoting global security through peacekeeping, conflict resolution, and international cooperation. The concept highlights the need for shared responsibility in maintaining world peace and stability.
7. What is terrorism? Why is it considered a major security threat?
Answer:
Terrorism refers to the use of violence or the threat of violence against civilians to achieve political, religious, or ideological objectives. Terrorist groups create fear and insecurity by targeting innocent people, public institutions, and infrastructure. Terrorism is considered a major security threat because it destabilizes societies, weakens governments, and causes loss of life and property. Unlike conventional warfare, terrorists often operate across borders and use modern technology for communication and recruitment. Terrorism also creates social tensions and economic losses. Since it affects both national and international peace, combating terrorism requires cooperation among countries through intelligence sharing, law enforcement, and coordinated security measures.
8. What are Confidence Building Measures (CBMs)?
Answer:
Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) are actions taken by countries to reduce mistrust and prevent conflicts. They involve the regular exchange of information regarding military activities, defence policies, and security concerns. CBMs help improve communication and transparency between states, thereby reducing the chances of misunderstandings and accidental wars. Examples include advance notification of military exercises, diplomatic dialogues, and agreements on border management. Such measures are especially useful between neighbouring countries with historical tensions. CBMs promote mutual trust and contribute to regional stability. They are considered important tools for maintaining peace without resorting to military confrontation.
9. What is disarmament?
Answer:
Disarmament refers to the reduction or complete elimination of certain categories of weapons. Its primary objective is to decrease the possibility of war and promote international peace. Disarmament may involve reducing nuclear weapons, chemical weapons, biological weapons, or conventional arms. Countries agree to disarmament through international treaties and negotiations. The concept is based on the belief that excessive weapons increase insecurity and the risk of conflict. Disarmament efforts gained importance after the devastating effects of modern warfare became evident. Successful disarmament contributes to global peace, reduces military expenditure, and allows nations to focus more resources on social and economic development.
10. Explain the concept of arms control.
Answer:
Arms control refers to agreements and regulations that limit the development, production, deployment, or use of weapons. Unlike disarmament, it does not necessarily eliminate weapons but seeks to manage and restrict them. Arms control aims to prevent arms races, reduce tensions, and promote strategic stability among nations. Examples include treaties limiting nuclear weapons and missile systems. By establishing rules and verification mechanisms, arms control builds trust among countries and lowers the risk of conflict. It is an important component of international security because it encourages responsible military behaviour while maintaining a balance between national defence requirements and global peace.
11. What is an alliance? Why do states form alliances?
Answer:
An alliance is an agreement among two or more countries to cooperate for security and defence purposes. States form alliances to protect themselves against external threats and strengthen their strategic position. Members of an alliance often agree to support each other in case of military aggression. Alliances can deter potential attackers because they increase the collective strength of participating countries. During the Cold War, military alliances played a major role in global politics. Even today, alliances help countries share resources, intelligence, and defence capabilities. While alliances can enhance security, they may also increase tensions if rival groups perceive them as threats.
12. Why is environmental degradation considered a security issue?
Answer:
Environmental degradation is considered a security issue because it threatens human survival and social stability. Problems such as climate change, deforestation, pollution, and loss of biodiversity can lead to food shortages, water scarcity, displacement of populations, and economic hardships. These challenges often create conflicts over natural resources and increase vulnerability to disasters. Environmental problems do not respect national borders and therefore require international cooperation. As environmental crises intensify, they can undermine development and threaten human security. Recognizing environmental degradation as a security concern encourages governments and international organizations to adopt sustainable policies and collective solutions.
13. How do epidemics and diseases threaten security?
Answer:
Epidemics and infectious diseases threaten security by affecting human health, economic activity, and social stability. Large-scale outbreaks can overwhelm healthcare systems, reduce productivity, and disrupt normal life. Diseases can spread rapidly across countries due to globalization and increased travel. They may also create fear, panic, and economic losses. Public health emergencies require governments to allocate significant resources and coordinate with international organizations. Since diseases do not recognize borders, international cooperation is essential for prevention, treatment, and research. Thus, health security has become an important aspect of non-traditional security in the contemporary world.
14. What is cooperative security?
Answer:
Cooperative security refers to the process through which countries work together to address common security challenges. Instead of relying solely on military strength, cooperative security emphasizes dialogue, diplomacy, confidence-building measures, arms control, and international institutions. It recognizes that many security threats such as terrorism, climate change, and pandemics require collective action. Cooperative security promotes trust and reduces the likelihood of conflict among nations. Organizations such as the United Nations facilitate cooperation by providing platforms for negotiation and peacekeeping. This approach helps create a more stable international environment and supports peaceful conflict resolution.
15. Mention any four components of India’s security strategy.
Answer:
India’s security strategy consists of several important components. First, strengthening military capabilities to protect territorial integrity and national sovereignty. Second, enhancing economic development because a strong economy supports national security. Third, promoting internal unity and social cohesion to prevent internal conflicts and instability. Fourth, pursuing international cooperation and diplomacy to maintain peaceful relations with other countries. India also supports nuclear deterrence and active participation in global institutions. These measures together help India address both traditional and non-traditional security challenges while ensuring long-term national stability and development.
16. Why is migration sometimes viewed as a security concern?
Answer:
Migration can become a security concern when large-scale population movements create social, economic, or political pressures. Sudden migration may strain public services, employment opportunities, and natural resources in receiving areas. In some cases, it can lead to tensions between local populations and migrants. Cross-border migration may also raise concerns related to border management and national identity. However, migration is not always a security threat and often contributes positively to economic development and cultural exchange. Therefore, governments need balanced policies that protect national interests while respecting human rights and humanitarian principles.
17. What role does the United Nations play in maintaining global security?
Answer:
The United Nations plays a crucial role in maintaining international peace and security. It promotes peaceful resolution of disputes through negotiation, mediation, and diplomacy. The UN Security Council can authorize peacekeeping missions, impose sanctions, and take collective measures against threats to peace. The organization also addresses non-traditional security challenges such as terrorism, poverty, environmental issues, and humanitarian crises. Through its specialized agencies and international programs, the UN encourages cooperation among countries. Although it faces limitations, the United Nations remains the most important global institution for fostering dialogue, preventing conflicts, and promoting collective security.
18. Why is poverty considered a non-traditional security threat?
Answer:
Poverty is considered a non-traditional security threat because it affects human well-being and social stability. People living in poverty often lack access to food, healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. Extreme poverty can lead to social unrest, crime, political instability, and migration. It also increases vulnerability to diseases and natural disasters. Since poverty undermines human dignity and development, it poses a serious challenge to human security. Governments and international organizations therefore focus on poverty reduction through economic growth, welfare programs, and sustainable development initiatives. Addressing poverty contributes significantly to long-term peace and security.
19. How has globalization influenced security concerns?
Answer:
Globalization has increased interdependence among countries, making security issues more complex and interconnected. While globalization promotes trade, communication, and economic growth, it also facilitates the rapid spread of diseases, terrorism, cyber threats, and financial crises. Events occurring in one part of the world can quickly affect other regions. As a result, security can no longer be viewed solely from a national perspective. Countries must cooperate to address global challenges and manage shared risks. Globalization has therefore strengthened the importance of international institutions and collective action in maintaining security and stability across the world.
20. Why is security considered a multidimensional concept today?
Answer:
Security is considered a multidimensional concept because modern threats arise from various sources and affect different aspects of life. Military aggression remains important, but issues such as terrorism, environmental degradation, pandemics, cybercrime, poverty, and resource scarcity also threaten stability. Security today involves protecting states, individuals, communities, and the global environment. It requires military preparedness, economic development, social justice, environmental sustainability, and international cooperation. A narrow focus on military defence alone cannot address contemporary challenges effectively. Therefore, a comprehensive approach that combines traditional and non-traditional dimensions is necessary to ensure lasting peace and human well-being.