Collective Security
Collective Security is a strategy in international relations where nations agree to act collectively in response to aggression or threats to peace. This concept aims to deter potential aggressors by making the cost of aggression prohibitively high through a unified response from multiple countries. Here are key aspects of collective security:
Historical Context
- Post-World War I: The idea was popularized after World War I with the establishment of the League of Nations, which was intended to prevent another global conflict by ensuring collective action against any act of aggression.
- Post-World War II: After the failure of the League of Nations to prevent World War II, the United Nations was founded with a more robust framework for collective security, particularly through its Security Council.
Key Principles
- Universal Membership: Collective security assumes that all states are members of the system, which theoretically makes aggression less likely because all nations would oppose it.
- Commitment to Action: Nations must commit to taking joint action against any state that breaches international peace.
- Equity: The system should work for the benefit of all members, not just the powerful ones.
Challenges and Criticisms
- Enforcement: The effectiveness of collective security depends on the willingness of member states to enforce decisions, which has often been inconsistent.
- Power Politics: Major powers can veto actions in bodies like the UN Security Council, undermining collective action.
- Collective Inaction: Sometimes, collective security has failed due to lack of consensus or due to geopolitical rivalries.
Examples in Practice
- Korean War: The UN intervened under the banner of collective security when North Korea invaded South Korea in 1950.
- Gulf War: In 1990-1991, the UN authorized a coalition to expel Iraq from Kuwait following its invasion.
Modern Application
- NATO: While primarily a collective defense organization, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization has engaged in operations that reflect collective security principles, such as in Bosnia and Libya.
- UN Peacekeeping: UN peacekeeping missions often embody elements of collective security, aiming to maintain peace where conflict has occurred or is likely.
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