THEORIES OF INTERNATIONAL SECURITY: IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND HUMAN SECURITY

International security theories such as realism and liberalism significantly impact state and human security. The susceptibility of human beings to various threats is frequently overlooked by realism, which favours state-centric security. On the other hand, liberalism emphasizes human security, and expands the focus to include threats like illness, poverty, terrorism and environmental deterioration, highlighting the need to protect people from these threats. Realists place premium on the protection and survival of the state, frequently considering the international system to be chaotic and competitive. This viewpoint causes a state to prioritize war and military force over human security. Liberals lay a strong emphasis on governments working together and being dependent on one another, mostly through international organizations. They place the interests of the government or state below people's safety and welfare. However, there is an emerging perspective which arises from the attempt to reconcile the positions of realism and liberalism. This is referred to as constructivism which advises against the use of extreme approach in addressing international security concerns. It thinks that the risks would be very high to accept either formalism or fatalism. Only a balanced strategy, including diplomatic initiatives, peace building, imposition of sanctions and military action can mitigate international security threats.