Global Security Matrix and Manifesto Critique

After reading the Global Security Manifesto I believe that it puts together a clear and coherent analysis of the threats facing our world today as individuals, states, systems, networks, and as a world as a whole. The Matrix and the Manifesto without a doubt lays out the various threats ranging from traditional warfare to modern terrorism so that both International Relations students and non- International Relations students can easily be reminded of the most of the obvious security threats. There are three areas though that I would like to more closely examine. First is Resources Conflict (4.3), second is Terrorism/Crime (4.4) and last is Environment (4.5).

As someone mentioned in class last Tuesday, in section 4.3 for Resources Conflict, conflict caused by luxury goods is not fully addressed. Like the other student, I believe that goods that are not basic necessities (diamonds and drugs) can cause just as much conflict and strife as vital goods (water, food and oil). The diamond trade is just one example but one example that speaks for itself. Due to the world’s constant demand for precious stones, various states have had to endure civil war, hunger, displacement and overthrow of the government by tyrants like the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) who take over the diamond trade and who will do it at any cost. Conflict diamonds have led to the amputation of innocent children’s limbs in Sierra Leone have had their limbs amputated, up to 1,000 people dead every day in Angola (reported in 1993) and massacres in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In section 4.4 for Terrorism/Crime, the threat of nuclear weapons used by terrorists and cyber-terrorism are listed, however, the threat of chemical and biological weapons (CBWs) are not. CBWs are not relatively new and unknown experiences. For example, the native Americans were weakened by the common cold and during WWI and WWI infectious gasses was used. They have also been instances where people have used some sort of form of CBWs against civilian like the anthrax attacks on various journalists and US senators as well as the Japanese On Shinrikyo group that released nerve gas into the subway system. In the last paragraph of section 4.4 it says that attempts to use nuclear weapons and cyber-terrorism have “proved difficult”. CBWs, however, have been used and been successful giving it even more reason to be listed alongside nuclear weapons and cyber-terrorism as important terrorist threats.

The last section I want to discuss is Environment under section 4.5. I believe that environment threats are not only caused by a government’s inability to handle the consequences of natural disasters but also consequences of their lack of pollution controls. What I mean by this is that our environment is greatly affected by the pollution that comes with a country’s rapid industrial growth. China for example is rapidly expanding and its economy is booming, however, what are the consequences of all the growth? The pollution in cities like Beijing and Shanghai is so bad to the point where its hard to find a clear day. This puts its citizens’ well-being at stake.

Although I understand that not every little thing can be included in the Manifesto but I believe that the topics above are important enough to be considered.

Posted by Brietta Tsang on October 1, 2006 12:01 PM | Permalink

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