Sociology | Mercantile Law | International Law | International Relations

Conceptualization of Security in 21st Century
Balance of Power is anachronism in the 21st century which is dominated by the nation states that see their national interests and national powers as chief aims. Thus, intense competition exists in anarchic world. Balance of power was not appropriate to bring peace to the 21st century world. Due to its inadequacy and uncertainty it was needed to be replaced by something more reliable.

Perceiving the Idea of Security in 21st Century
21st century is witnessing the nation states in their evolved shapes. International community is stronger than ever before in the chaotic world history. But the risks of conflicts among states are never eliminated absolutely. It is part of realistic world. In 21st century these risks might be less but dangerous than ever. This is because international community is strong but several states have weaponized themselves with weapons of mass destruction. Thus, maintaining peace in this scenario is critical and needs proper mechanisms.

‘Collective Security’ as Core Concept of World Peace in 21st Century
The idea of ‘Collective Security’ replaced ‘Balance of Power’ in 21st century. This core concept of security is different from its preceding formula.

A. What is Collective Security?
Collective Security can be defined as the ‘the collective or joint mechanisms adopted and pursued by the international community to fight aggression and the aggressor in order to maintain international peace’.

B. Principle behind the Concept of Collective Security
The principle behind the concept of Collective Security is that ‘all the states must be joining hands to fight against the aggression. Attack against one states shall be taken as an attack against all states’.

C. How to Achieve Collective Security?
Collective security can be achieved by pursuing the ways mentioned below;

• Aggressor state is needed to be identified in a combat
• All other states shall work jointly to contain or defeat the aggressor
• Aggressor shall be either made to surrender or defeated
• Arrangements shall be made in future to bring the aggressor state into mainstream

Effectiveness of Collective Security
Effectiveness of ‘Collective Security’ depends completely upon the eagerness of states to play their respective roles in this regard. More the willing states would be the more effective Collective Security can be perceived.

Collective Security & The League of Nations
League of Nations established on the principle of collective security failed in its mission due to inappropriate and nationalistic approach of certain states like Germany, Italy, France. It carried the principles to preserve the world peace which collapsed after the Great Depression and finally led world to Second Great War of the century.

Collective Security & the UN
UN succeeded the League. In its very first Article, the UN Charter pledges to maintain international peace. Chapter 7 of the charter further clarifies the course of action that states need to adopt in cases of Breach of Peace.

Conclusion
Collective Security is the idea that works as the concept of security in 21st century. This concept is working contemporarily along with several flaws it carries.