Matters Of National Interests And Security Politics Essay

Matters Of National Interests And Security Politics EssayIn a very generic sense, theme interests ar that which is deemed by a particular situate to be a . . . desirable goal. The attainment of this goal is roughthing that the identifying state believes will have a positive imp work on itself. Realization of the interest could heighten the political, scotch, certificate, environmental, and/or moral well-being of a populace and the state or topic enterprise to which they belong.2This holds true within the territory of the state, as well as in whatsoever external coincidences that the state whitethorn under strike outside of the administrative control of that state.3Interests serve as the foundation and governive focus for the formulation of indemnity. For a nation-state, there is more often than non a aspire correlation betwixt the nations interests and impertinent policy. In most cases, statesmen think and act in terms of interest.4Those interests believed to be the m ost signifi ejectt for the attainment of a policy objective (the states wants and needs)5will earn the greatest amount of emphasis during the policy formulation process. They should be designed to tell the policymaker why and how much he should c atomic number 18 about an issue. Interests help determine what kind and how much attention should be given to both challenges or threats and opportunities. They as well as assist the policymaker in identifying key issues during the policy formulation process.Some political scientists, like Hans Morgenthau, believe that bailiwick interests are permanent features of the inter subjectist system. Regardless of what disposal is in precedent, the interests of a nation-state remain fixed components of the policymaking process. They are un bear upon by the circumstances of time and place.6Morgenthau, himself, indicates that the key conception of interest is not to be defined with a meaning that is fixed once and for all.7Morgenthau believed t he generic concept of interest was unchanging in terms of its greatness to the planetary system. But this did not mean that individual interests could not be ad mediocreed or newly make outd in order to take into account changes in the foreign system. other(a) theorists have argued that interests are likely to be a diverse, pluralistic set of subjective preferences that change periodically, both in response to the domesticated political process itself and in response to shifts in the international environment. The national interest therefore is more likely to be what the policymakers say it is at any particular time.8The underlying three basic interests are-Security Protection of the nation (both home and abroad), territory, and institutions of the State a agnisest potential foreign dangers.9This has always included defence force of the homeland. Domestically, it to a fault includes treasureion of critical infrastructure such as energy, banking and finance, telecommunication s, transportation, water systems, and cyber networks.10 frugal Well-Being Promotion of international handicraft and investment, including protection of a States mysterious sparing interests in foreign countries.11Democratic Values Until the 20th century, this core interest was confined to ensuring that the domestic democratic process and associated values framed the traditional tenets of life, liberty, and the seeking of happiness. Some states may include the promotion of democracy and human rights abroad.12Just as the splitment of national interests is complex, so is the actual application of interests in the policy and outline formulation process. The grandeur of national interests to the process is signifi back tootht, as described by Lord Palmerston, the British foreign minister in 1856 When people ask me . . . for what is called a policy, the only answer is that we mean to do what may seem to be best, upon each occasion as it arises, making the interests of our country o nes guiding principle.13The policy framer participating in the development of interests moldiness take the following issues into account How flexible can the interest of the moment be in relation to the states core interests of the period? Must the interest be based on each realism or morality, or rather can it be some combination of the two? Where does the interest fit in terms of how it is to be categorized with what degree of intensity?Perhaps the most complicating factor that the policy framer must take into account will be the influence of domestic politics on the interest formulation process. The concept that resource allocation by sign and quantity will be preserveed by the identification of the interest designed to guide a policy creates a critical linkage amongst the two. The connection is key because, in a democracy, it is the government of a state actor that will have to sustain the investment of resources required to attain the interest. Interests with great fidelit y and less ambiguity are easier for governments and populations to support because they have a clearer idea of why it is they are being asked to do something, like allocate funds or military machine forces.14At the same time, such a detailed understanding could lead to a lack of support on the part of either the government, the people, or parts thereof, if the interest is assessed to be too low on the scale of intensity.If they are to develop relevant and executable 21st century interests, a most important understanding for those participating in the interest development process must be that they are endowed with a degree of tractability allowing them to discern the limits of domestic politics in terms of what types of interests are likely to be supportable. This must entail the provision of the maximum amount of data addressable for the development and government issueing identification of the interests at hand. The greater the fidelity and degree of consensus on categorisatio n and level of intensity, the greater the possibility that the public will support actions to protect or advance the interest.DEFINITIONSAt this juncture it would be worthwhile to look at some definitions, to get a complete perspective in to national interests,power and warrantor.National interestsThe national interest, often referred to by the French term raison dtat, is a countrys goals and ambitions whether frugal, military, or cultural. The notion is an important one in international dealing where pursuit of the national interest is the foundation of the realist school. It has 5 major dimensions namely Geo Political, Economic, Military, Socio-cultural, and Science Technology. National Interests therefore stem from the evolving National goals in each of these dimensions and is also a reflection of the relative National Strengths with regard to these dimensions.POWERIn the context of international relations and diplomacy, power (sometimes clarified as international power, nat ional power, or state power) is the ability of one state to influence or control new(prenominal) states. States with this ability are called powers,NATIONAL STRATEGYThe art and apprehension of developing, applying, and coordinating the instruments of national power (diplomatical, frugal, military, and informational) to achieve objectives that contribute to national security measure. Also called national strategy or grand strategy.NATIONAL SECURITY1. National security is the requirement to maintain the survival of the nation-state through the use of economic, military and political power and the exercise of diplomacy.2. National security can be defined as a collective term encompassing both national defence and foreign relations.15In general, it is the study of the security problems faced by actors, of the policies and programs by which these problems are addressed, and also of the government processes through which the policies and programs are decided upon and carried out.16It relates both externally and internally to the actor-the foreign and domestic components of national security.3. In the context of USA it is a collective term encompassing both national self-abnegation and foreign relations of the coupled States. Specifically, the condition standd by(a) a military or vindication advantage over any foreign nation or group of nations(b) a favorable foreign relations position or(c) a defense posture capable of successfully resisting hostile or destructive action from within or without, overt or covert.4. National security is thus a multi-dimensional view and response towards protecting National Interests against internal and external threats. It is dynamic and evolving as a derivative of National Interests which in itself is an evolving derivative of National Strength. It Underpins and guarantees the pursuit of National Objectives in a competing international arena. Further any issue that has the potential to directly impact the pursuit of National Goals can be classify as an area of National Interest, and it can thus be brought under the ambit of national security.ECONOMIC POWERModern conflict, from conventional warfare to diplomatic disputes, has increasingly involved economics in some form. Nations use economic tools to stick with objectives, seek economic resources as national goals, or are affected by economic levelts that influence their national security. Both state and non-state actors use economic power to wage war and to influence events regionally or globally. Economic considerations range from simple access to resources like water or rude(prenominal) materials through transforming resources into undone products or services to providing monetary resources. The ability to gather, transform, and use resources is a key component to national security. Many human activities, including those involving national security, can be either severely limited or dramatically enhanced by economic factors. Military operations and other national security actions frequently depend on the results of economic capability. Without the capacity to put out, finance, or support key national security activities, a nation would have a limited ability to protect its domestic and international interests.Economic power has deal out widely and gained importance in recent years. Globalisation, the reliance on economics, and the diffusion of economic power from a few industrial states to many developing ones has radically changed the existence. Global economic success has also conferred power on a large group of sovereign governments and even corporations. The threat or actual action by a government, organization, or cartel can create enormous economic impact. Markets are extremely sensitive to news that would affect potential fiscal or economic activity. Oil prices can rise rapidly if tensions increase in the Persian Gulf or if a natural disaster occurs. Single events with little self-evident international signific ance could ignite a sell off by investors in overseas and domestic stock market places. Global communications can spread panic and exacerbate the condition.The changing environment has altered the emphasis on national elements of power so that military power is not necessarily the elemental coercive tool in international relations, and economic power has gained increase importance17. During the age of total war that spanned World Wars I and II, military power was the coin of the realm in foreign affairs. Economic power played a role in those wars, but the fight for national survival overrode the impact of domestic and international macroeconomic stability or growth. political saving served primarily as a provider of resources to the military element of power. In an era of increased consumer demand, technological growth, changes in society, and the evolving nature of conflict, the importance of economic considerations rose. During the Cold War, national survival was still at stake , but even thence economic considerations became just as important as nuclear parity with the Soviet Union. President Dwight D. Eisenhower warned of military expenditures impeding future economic growth the net result of which would set down security for the nation. Nuclear sufficiency became acceptable rather than superiority with the associated costly numbers of intercontinental ballistic missiles, strategic bombers, and submarines. Guns versus butter questions also arose as the challenges of an unacknowledged Cold War against Moscow pitted social oversteping against defence resources.Today, economic issues play a pivotal role in conflict. Advanced technology, contractors on the battlefield, volunteer militaries (that tend to be more expensive than conscript armies), reconstruction of battle ravaged nations, and other considerations make war and conflict expensive. Countries do not have inexhaustible resources to conduct long wars even if there is a direct and desperate threat to national survival. Questions of national treasury, consumer demand, labour constraints, finance, and other economic considerations can sway public sentiment against a conflict. If one nation wages war or takes other actions to isolate another state, investors around the world become nervous. Stock and commodity markets could affect financial conditions and create unforeseen reactions. These reactions may create adverse conditions that could force a change in strategy by the nation trying to influence a rivals behavior18.As economic issues affect national security capabilities and activities, so might efforts that involve national security create global economic impacts. War or political amputateion in an inunct producing region will initiate tremors in the international energy sector. Although a nation might not be directly affected by the initial problem, the populace can suffer from increased prices from rock oil products that could result in greater unemployment, inflation, credit issues, and foreign exchange problems. Demands for added military expenditures could translate to increased taxes that discourage consumer spending and byplay investment or reductions in other governmental activities that can directly shape the economic landscape. Competition for limited resources to meet national security policy objectives could also hamper undercover or other governmental activities. Nations can increase borrowing, raise taxes, spend surpluses, confiscate resources, or monetize debt. All of these options have unique economic effects on a nation.Economics is an element of national power. Normally, one of a nations key national interests is maintaining a viable economy to ensure a trustworthy standard of living for its citizenry. States can use economic power to deter, compel, coerce, fight, and even rebuild a former opponent to meet a particular need. Economics becomes a critical component of the ends, ways, and means of security. Perhaps uniquely amo ng the traditional elements of national power, economics might be any of the three aspects of strategy-the objective of a nations strategy might be economic economics might provide the means to achieve the end or a nation might pursue its ends using economics as the primary way to exert power. Whether economics is a way or a means to achieve a national interest or if it is a cause or motivation to take an action, national leaders must pay attention to this increasingly significant security factor. economic science AND NATIONAL INTERESTStates and non-state actors have historically fought over economic issues. Wars about unsolved access to resources, trade routes, competition, profit, and other economic issues are habitual in military and diplomatic history. A keen competition for resources among governments, individuals, corporations, and other actors has created a complex web of economic dependencies and rivalries that was not as important in the past. Similarly, economic conditio ns can create an environment that fosters demands for change that could create a civil war, a fight for access to markets or resources, or other forms of economic competition. Countries with weak or failing economies may resort to actions that they might not have considered had their economies been stronger.One specific area which deserves a brief discussion is oil as a cause or objective of war. Reliable access to oil at reasonable rates is a vital national security interest for every developed and many of the more developing nations. Governments or international organizations that control oil production or pricing can in effect disrupt global economic conditions-whether purposefully or accidentally. A monopoly or oligopoly that controls a strategic asset, capability, or raw material has great potential to disrupt economies and create political instability, although few commodities have the same potential impact as oil. Major sensed or actual disruptions in the oil market are seri ous events that easily can trigger hostile responses from concerned governments. Today, oil is the best example of a resource that is both scarce and vital however, other resources like water are also likely sources of conflict. We can expect economic issues-particularly access to raw materials and resources-to remain one of the significant objectives of international relations and causes of conflict.Economic intervention in or withdrawal from the economy of a foreign nation-as opposed to supporting its debt-can have tremendous impact on the financial well being of a region or country. Governments do not usually participate directly in the economy of another nation. However, direct participation in the economy of another nation through private companies is widespread. Depending on the business and political climate of firms home state, such participation may provide some degree of power for that home state19. Regardless of the degree of external governmental control, decisions by pr ivate firms and multinational corporations to invest or do business in a country can influence national policies. Such decisions are independent and can be contrary to a host nations interests. In an age of globalized financial markets, almost any corporation, organization, or individual can transfer capital into a country or take it out. This transfer generally can occur by using national or international stock, bond, commodity markets, or through direct investment into business ventures. Rapid inflow of capital can provide a needed boast to growth while rapid outflow can sink a nation into recession.Governments can use their economic power through other means. For example, rather than lending money by bond gets, they can provide direct support to another nation through a variety of programs that essentially provide money or services. Foreign aid, loan guarantees, technical aid and services, and other assistance can provide a number of flexible tools to support national interests .The transfer of wealth from developed to developing countries that sell raw materials or manufacture low-cost products can create economic problems. Governments worried about the outflow of capital, goods, services, industries, and jobs might erect barriers to restrict or stop trade. Such actions rarely go unchallenged, and a counter tariff barrier or legal challenge is a likely response. Conversely, governments willing to accept what are hopefully interim trade imbalances for potential future benefits may allow the transfer of wealth and even industries and jobs to continue. Such is the political and economic theory behind the whole broad trade movement-the North Atlantic Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) being a visible example. Transfer of key technologies, processes, equipment, or skills can also enable foreign governments and private firms-granting in some cases access to capabilities that would have taken years and many resources to acquire independently.Economic power normally involves the trade of finished goods or raw materials. Few countries can claim to produce all of the goods and services that their citizens use. Many nations require energy imports to subsist. Conversely, nations that may have oil, natural gas, or other energy sources might need food imports or other foreign services like skilled labour. Nations can work within international trade agreements, or they may take unilateral action to expand or restrict trade. A country might try to limit trade to hurt a rival.Economic power could also prevent or limit actions taken by a rival. Suppose a country requires a scarce raw material. If an adversary has sufficient funds, influence, or credit, it could purchase and withhold that raw material from its foe. The nation could also coerce sellers to prevent sale of that raw material to the opponent. States could put pressure indirectly on an opponents allies to force a nation to take certain actions. After the 1973 Yom Kippur War, Arab oil-producing countries refused to sell oil to the United States and other nations that supported Israel. This embargo boosted oil prices and shifted international power from the developed nations to ones that relied primarily on oil extraction. Political and economic power was redistributed when these actions were feature with the nationalization of private, foreign-owned petroleum companies in these oil exporting nations.20THE PRIVATE SECTOR AS A STRATEGIC TOOLAlthough not generally controlled by governments, snub currency manipulations designed to offset them, commercial balance of payments are another form of debt that can have foreign policy implications.Fears of a pending financial disaster could cause lenders to pull capital out of the market and further exacerbate the situation. Unfortunately, globalized communications can now spread fears among global investors almost instantaneously. The result is that economic issues that might have been localized events only decades ago can now tur n into global issues. Additionally, since private investors may act contrary to government desires, governmental and even international efforts to stem economic crises may be ineffective. Some nations fear excessive foreign investment due to a perceived influence or concern over precipitous withdrawal others accept the risk and welcome foreign investment as a reasonably in stock(predicate) source of funds. Although some nations find these actions helpful, critics argue that this capability can also be used to stifle competition, protect national interests, or create geopolitical troublemaking.21Foreign funds do provide a needed economic boast, but they can also disappear quickly should confidence fail multinational corporations and firms typically have the resources and ability to get access to once closed markets. Governments might offer subsidies or grant special benefits to attract business to their country. at a time established, the multinational corporation could exert a pow erful influence on the government since its affairs affect the nations economy. Similarly, in highly contested markets, a multinational corporation could offer restricted technologies, move production of key subcomponents, offer bribes, expand production beyond the initial plan, or provide other incentives to gain access to the market. Companies can lobby their home countrys government (assuming it favours the move into the other nations market) for help lifting trade restrictions or access to technology or influencing the host nations foreign policy.In the most basic sense, economic power is an entitys ability to acquire, produce, and use raw materials, goods, and services. A nation cannot engage in conflict over an extend period without an adjustment to its economy. In many cases, countries must devote goods or services to prepare for or fight a war or even to conduct other activities that affect the national interest. Humanitarian aid, defence expenditures, diplomacy, alliance m embership, and other vital actions depend on a countrys ability to raise and spend tax revenues, borrow funds, use surpluses, or finance these measures. Economic power allows players to conduct actions by providing the personnel, equipment, operating materials, infrastructure, and short or long term living of that capabilityGovernments purchase commodities and equipment like a business, obtain labour (military, government civil, and contractor), maintain physical infrastructure, conduct research and development, and in some cases also produce unique goods and services peculiar to national security.Resource decisions mold the creation of force structure to include investments in weapons, recruitment and retention of military and civilian personnel, decisions to fund military or non-military government programs, and a host of other concerns that affect national security policy. Further, economic conditions, once the exclusive concern of financial institutions, investors, and busine sses, now affect military decisions that range from recruitment to government borrowing that directly influences a powers ability to provide military capability. Arms sales, transfers of key military technologies or technologies related to weapons of mass destruction, contracting for goods and services by individuals and firms, and other economic activities can influence the national security environment.Nations that have sufficient resources can upgrade their military forces with more and better capabilities. Military forces that lack personnel or equipment could rely on undertake services or purchase in advance(p) weaponry from other nations. If the state has limited forces, it can change the composition of its military forces by hiring specialized services that would have taken years to develop or that they only need for a limited time. Contractors on the battlefield are not new phenomena. The U.S. Government has used contractors in several wars. Other nations have hired milita ry pilots and aircraft, logistics, and combat forces to expand and enhance their limited capabilities. Today, governments can lease satellite communications, photographic imagery, multi-spectral analysis, and navigational systems that were once the province of superpowers that had exclusive use of space systems. Individuals, firms, and governments can use these functions-for a price. This capability can change a balance of power at critical times during a conflict.Oil profits have allowed the Russian government to finance a larger military budget that has given Moscow the ability to build a new intercontinental ballistic missile, aircraft, and other weapons to revitalize its national security and foreign policies. Other countries, like Iran and Venezuela, also fuel their defense and security programs by oil sales. Nations building advanced technology consumer goods like information systems could use similar technologies to improve their military forces.While national leaders conside r and hold economics as an element of national power, these same leaders are also affected by economic events that may limit their policies options. Economic considerations can have very influential impacts on the conduct of military operations and diplomatic actions. Globalisation has allowed nations to conduct business with allies, former enemies, and potential rivals. New relationships between citizens and governments that highlight cost reductions, profits, and long range business activities can impact national security measures in a host of ways.Current economic conditions also have a large impact on military operations. Inflation contributes to reduced purchasing power by a government. This includes activities from purchasing fuel, paying for contracted work, demands for greater pay for military and civilian workers, and other acquisition activities22. Similarly, a recession-a sustained downturn in economic activities-reduces tax revenues and encourages moves by politicians t o stimulate the economy or support the slothful or struggling citizens. These policies can significantly reduce the amount of defence spending for a nation. However, some of these conditions might provide relief to the government. Unemployment may ease recruitment and retention problems in the military. Increased competition for fewer government contracts might reduce the cost of operations. Tools to fight economic problems may also create unforeseen issues. A central bank could raise or lower interest rates. These actions can affect the availability of investors to purchase government debt and the cost of borrowing for contractors to build the latest fighter aircraft.OTHER ECONOMIC SECURITY CONSIDERATIONSExpanding trade can provide several benefits to nations. It can create better efficiencies in production by seeking the lowest cost, most effective producers. This situation could lead to greater economic growth and improved standards of living around the world. However, not all n ations find an economic niche that allows economic growth. Cheaper outsourced services and imported goods may destroy domestic industries. Large numbers of unemployed workers could create domestic problems for a government. Further, reliance on foreign imports could impoverish the state and complicate its financial and credit situation. If nations rely on foreign goods, then any problem that hinders trade could cause issues globally. A natural disaster, potential conflict, trade dispute, or other problem could restrict the flow of needed products.ECONOMICS AND FUTURE NATIONAL SECURITY ISSUESIn the future, security conflict among nations may change from predominately military contests to ones primarily featuring other elements of national power. That option is also open to non-state a