Political Science · Class 12 · Global Institutions and Security · 2.º Período

Security in the Contemporary World

Differentiate between traditional and non-traditional notions of security. Explore contemporary threats like terrorism, human rights violations, and health epidemics.

TL;DR:Security is no longer just about protecting borders from foreign armies. This topic introduces students to the shift from traditional security (military threats and balance of power) to non-traditional security (human security and global security). It covers modern threats such as terrorism, climate change, epidemics like COVID-19, and large-scale migration.

• CBSE Learning Outcomes
• CBSE.PolSci.12.CWP.5.1
• CBSE.PolSci.12.CWP.5.2

About This Topic

Security is no longer just about protecting borders from foreign armies. This topic introduces students to the shift from traditional security (military threats and balance of power) to non-traditional security (human security and global security). It covers modern threats such as terrorism, climate change, epidemics like COVID-19, and large-scale migration.

The CBSE curriculum requires students to think critically about how poverty and inequality are themselves threats to security. By exploring the concept of 'freedom from fear' and 'freedom from want,' students learn that a state is only truly secure if its citizens are safe. Students grasp this concept faster through structured discussion and peer explanation of real-world security crises.

Key Questions

1. What is the difference between traditional and non-traditional security?
2. How does global poverty act as a source of insecurity?
3. What cooperative strategies can address international terrorism?

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Security only means having a strong army.

What to Teach Instead

Non-traditional security includes protection against hunger, disease, and environmental disasters. Using a threat-mapping activity helps students see that an army cannot stop a virus or a drought.

Common Misconception

Terrorism is the only non-traditional security threat.

What to Teach Instead

While major, it is one of many, including poverty and migration. Collaborative investigations into different threats help students broaden their perspective on what 'safety' means.

Active Learning Ideas

Inquiry Circle

Mapping New Threats

Groups are given a 'threat card' (e.g., Cyber-warfare, Global Warming, or Ebola). They must map out how this threat ignores national borders and what kind of international cooperation is needed to stop it.

40 min·Small Groups

Formal Debate

Military vs. Social Spending

Students debate the motion: 'In the 21st century, a nation's security is better ensured by investing in healthcare and education than in advanced weaponry.'

45 min·Whole Class

Think-Pair-Share

Defining Terrorism

Pairs attempt to write a universal definition of terrorism. They then compare their definitions with international standards to see why it is so difficult for the UN to reach a consensus on this term.

20 min·Pairs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between traditional and non-traditional security?

Traditional security focuses on military threats to the state from other states, using deterrence and balance of power. Non-traditional security, or human security, focuses on threats to individuals, such as poverty, disease, and environmental degradation, which require global cooperation rather than military force.

How is poverty a security threat?

Poverty leads to political instability, fuels recruitment for extremist groups, and causes mass migration. When a large population lacks basic needs, it can lead to internal conflict and state failure, which eventually impacts regional and global stability.

What are cooperative security strategies?

Cooperative security involves nations working together through international organisations, NGOs, and treaties to tackle common threats like terrorism or climate change. It recognises that some problems are too large for any single nation to solve alone.

What are the best hands-on strategies for teaching Security?

Scenario-based learning works best. Teachers can present a 'Global Crisis Scenario' (like a sudden pandemic or a cyber-attack on a power grid) and ask students to develop a response plan. This active problem-solving helps students distinguish between military responses and the cooperative, multi-dimensional strategies required for modern security.