Worldwide perspectives of security and the military role

Abstract

The end of the politico-military East-West confrontation, the dissolution of the Warsaw Pact, and with it the Soviet Union, brought about a changed security situation in Europe which has still to stabilise and take concrete shape. The old dogmas no longer apply, while the age long defence strategies and doctrines which have prevailed for the greater part of the 20th century urgently need to be reassessed. This reorientation of politico-military perspectives of security has to take account of the rekindling of the dormant fires of ethnic hatred and disunity which one is witnessing in so many regions of the world, and which is creating violent insecurity and instability.

Clearly there has to be a rethinking of the security mechanisms to deal with this growing phenomena, while at the same time a reappraisal is necessary of the parameters within whichsecurity has to be quantified.Security is no longer just a matter of politics. It embraces economic, ethnic, cultural, humanitarian and environmental security considerations as well. We must take account of its holism if we are to safeguard the security and health of our planet. In military terms it means that national armed forced must adapt their perspectives and roles in order to meet the challenges facing today's world and to offer a new philosophy of service which better serves society and the community than simply training for war 365 days of the year.