Rethinking Security (From Policing in Central and Eastern Europe: Dilemmas of Contemporary Criminal Justice, P 711-723, 2004, Gorazd Mesko, et al., eds. -- See NCJ-207973)

• NCJ Number: 208034
• Author(s): Mladen Bajagic; Zelimir Kesetovic
• Date Published: September 2004
• Length: 13 pages
• Agencies: NIJ
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis

Annotation

This paper develops a broad perspective on "security" in an era of "globalization."

Abstract

Perceptions of what is threatening to the well-being of individuals expands in concentric circles from the individual to encompass societal security and global security. The individual seeks a life and circumstances in which physical survival, spiritual fulfillment, mental health, and economic well-being make his/her living relatively free of anxiety, fear, and unhappiness. The individual, however, cannot have such security unless the conditions of the society in which he/she lives are controlled and enhanced by beneficial powers beyond those of the individual. Societal security, in turn, is increasingly dependent on global events that impact the various societies in which individuals live. Concepts of security in the arenas of the individual, society, and the globe thus encompass multiple dimensions of human experience, including politics, military actions, geopolitical policies and decisions, economic factors, environmental issues, and societal values and pursuits. The 21st century has brought new fears and challenges related to security, and they require increased knowledge, redefinitions of concepts and systems of security, and more energetic and cooperative action within and among societies and nations. 38 references