National
security, or national security, is the protection and security of a sovereign
country, including its citizens, its economy and its institutions, which is
considered a government responsibility.
Conceived
as defense against military aggression, national security is understood to
include non-military aspects, including defense against terrorism, organized
crime, economic security, energy security, environmental protection, food
security and cyber security.
Similarly,
national security threats include, in addition to the actions of other nation
states, the actions of non-state actors, multinational drug companies, and the
effects of natural disasters doing for themselves.
Governments
rely on various mechanisms, including political, economic, and military power,
as well as diplomacy, to maintain the security of the nation.
They
can also act to create conditions for security in the regional and
international spheres by reducing the causes of insecurity, such as climate
change, economic inequality, politics and nuclear proliferation.
Every
nation faces threats.
These
threats can be social, such as aggression from neighboring countries, the entry
of terrorist groups, or the global economic system that undermines the
interests of the country.
In
other cases, the threat may be natural, such as hurricanes or epidemics. Any
threat to the power of national and distort his interests.
The
city's security fields promises to such fears. National security protects not
only citizens but also the economic stability of national institutions.
In
the United States, national security has been a guiding principle of government
since at least 1947, when President Harry S. Truman signed the National Security
Act.
Among
other things, this law created the post of Secretary of Defense Cabinet, under
whose direction all branches of the military work. Fundamentally, national
security and global security is not the same thing.
National
security involves a national government working autonomously to protect its
citizens from threats.
Global
security involves a coalition of nations working together to ensure that each
can enjoy peace and stability; it is a guiding principle of organizations such
as the United Nations.
One
of the main responsibilities of national security is to identify potential
dangers and prepare the right response.
This
article will highlight 5 of the country's security threats and provide insight
into how the government is responding to them.
What Is a National Security
Threat?
Everything
plays good personality of the body or puts the stability of economic countries
or industry looking at the threat of national security. National security
threats can be divided into groups.
Hostile Government
Some
national security threats come from foreign governments with malicious intent.
These threats can include war and direct invasion. But they can also be more
subtle and difficult to detect. Examples include espionage and election
interference.
Terrorism
Countries
face threats from groups that do not represent a foreign government but may be
sponsored or sponsored by foreign countries. Terrorist groups may seek to cause
chaos and disorder through physical violence or, in some cases, cybercrime.
Proliferation
An
enemy country does not have to resort to immediate violence to be listed as a
threat to national security. The concept of proliferation, especially in the
case of advanced weapons, can also be taken into account.
If
a rogue state is known to be stockpiling chemical weapons, developing nuclear
capabilities, or increasing its destructive capabilities, it is considered a
threat to national security, even without those weapons and immediate attack.
Cyber crime
Cybercriminals
pose a threat to national security, including those who do not belong to
opposition governments or terrorist groups. Cybercriminals can break into
financial institutions, government websites, or electrical infrastructure to
steal or extort money. They can also commit cybercrimes to promote ideological
goals.
Disasters and Diseases
Not
all national security threats include the negative effects of bad actors.
Hurricanes, earthquakes and other natural disasters can cause significant
damage to communities and physical infrastructure. Epidemics like COVID-19
wreak havoc on health systems and economies.
1. PANDEMIC THREATS
For
a recent example of a national security threat, look no further than the
COVID-19 pandemic. Although epidemics can spread throughout the world,
different countries deal with them in different ways, often with varying
degrees of success.
This
global health crisis continues to show how infectious diseases affect not only
the physical well-being of citizens, but also the social and economic systems.
Meanwhile, the global response to COVID-19 has shown how governments can
protect themselves from such crises.
Ways
Disease Disrupts
The
COVID-19 pandemic has affected almost every country in the world. In addition
to causing a terrible and terrible toll, the virus has shown the great social
and economic devastation that epidemics can cause.
•
The pandemic has forced many businesses to close temporarily or permanently.
This resulted in a huge loss of revenue.
•
As companies closed or limited their operations, this led to layoffs and
reduced working hours. In the US alone, COVID-19 has pushed the unemployment
rate from less than 4% to over 10%.
•
The effects of the pandemic have affected different industries at
disproportionate levels, with some industries being particularly hard hit.
Examples include the travel and hospitality industry.
•
The combined effect of free money and rising unemployment has put many
countries on the brink of recession and led to a stock market crisis that has
affected many US investors.
Protect Against Disease
COVID-19
reminds us that the threat of a global pandemic is now real. It is a call to
national governments to be prepared. Governments have many ways to protect
their citizens from disease and virus threats.
Connect the lab
By
consolidating research laboratories, the government can create infrastructure
for working together on vaccines and other treatments.
Official communication
Government
communication can also play an important role; for example, through clear
communication about the importance of hand washing, social distancing, and
wearing masks, governments can educate citizens to protect themselves.
Contribution to the economy
Governments
can also help the economy, either through full payments to citizens or targeted
incentives for companies most affected by the shutdown.
Emergency management
Emergency
management systems can be implemented, ensuring that the government has all the
appropriate tools to communicate effectively with citizens during emergencies.
2.
BIOLOGICAL WARFARE
Some
diseases arise on their own, not through cruelty or hostility. However, history
also provides many examples of weapons that cause fear. Biological warfare
poses a serious threat to national security, but governments can take necessary
precautions to reduce this threat.
Botulinum Toxin
Botulinum
toxin, classified by scientists as a neurotoxic protein, has many commercial
uses, both in food processing and in the manufacture of cosmetics. However,
when used as a weapon and transported, it can have serious health effects,
including botulism.
The
use of botulinum toxin as a weapon began in World War II. Since then, he has
been widely classified as a potential contender.
In
the 1990s, a Japanese cult, Aum Shinrikyo, released this poison on the streets
of Tokyo, causing panic but luckily no deaths.
Anthrax
Anthrax
is another thing that can be fought. Anthrax is a highly contagious and
potentially fatal disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. This
common bacterium has been around for centuries, but was first used during the
First World War. During World War II, the United States, Britain and Japan had
tested anthrax as a weapon.
At
this time, anthrax is the most common means of fighting. In fact, bacteria are
simple in nature or produced in the laboratory and can be released quickly and
safely.
The
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that anthrax has been used
in the past. "In 2001, anthrax powder was intentionally placed in mail
sent by the US Post Office," the agency reports. "Twenty-two people,
including twelve informants, got anthrax, and five of the twenty-two
died."
Protect Against Biological
Warfare
These
are just two types of terrorism that different countries face. Basically, the
government can prepare for such an attack using methods like the following:
•
The government can train public health workers on how to implement a rapid
response.
•
The government can provide funds to help public health workers stock up on
medicines and treatments.
•
Legislation can regulate the possession and transfer of hazardous materials
that can be used to develop biological weapons.
•
Labs can be kept, ready to test at the first sign of biological warfare.
3. CYBERTERRORISM
Another
threat to national security is cyberterrorism. The Center for Strategic and
International Studies, a global think tank, reports several cyber terrorism
incidents in 2020 alone.
In
India, terrorists infected the computers of human rights activists with
malware. Suspected North Korean hackers have hacked two major European security
firms, sending them fake job offers to break into their systems and retrieve
classified information. These are just two countless examples of criminals
using hacking and other digital tricks to cause mayhem and chaos.
Types of Cyberterrorism
Experts
divide cyberterrorism attacks into three different types: simple-unplanned,
advanced-planned, and complex-planned.
•
Disorganized flow. A terrorist deploys basic hacking tools against a single
target; It is another person who made the tools that are commonly used.
•
Highly organized attacks. A terrorist carries out sophisticated and targeted
attacks against multiple targets.
•
Integrated Complexity. A terrorist uses highly sophisticated hacking tools to
cause massive disruption, targeting an entire company, state or nation.
The Threat of Cyberterrorism
Cyberterrorist
activities pose a threat to national security for a number of reasons:
•
As banks and financial systems become increasingly digitized and connected to
the Internet, many cybersecurity experts believe that hackers can cause
widespread economic disruption, which can lead to bankruptcy or collapse in the
heart.
•
Some also fear that illegally obtained information will be made public. In
other words, hackers can compromise government agencies and citizens' privacy.
•
Another fear of cyber terrorism is that by breaking into electricity or
infrastructure, terrorists can cause chaos in urban areas.
Cyber
threats are scary because they can be delivered far, anonymously and cheaply.
Protect Against Terrorism
Governments
can take various precautions against cyber-terrorist activities.
In
the United States, for example, the Department of Defense monitors Americans'
interests in cyberspace and maintains a list of individuals who have been
identified as threats.
Former
President Barack Obama signed an executive order that gave US officials the
power to impose sanctions on people suspected of engaging in cyber terrorism
against the country.
In
addition, governments can provide guidance to businesses and local communities,
equipping them with the best practices for implementing strong privacy and cyber
security policies.
4. CLIMATE CHANGE AND
NATIONAL SECURITY
Climate
change can also be considered a threat to national security because its
long-term effects can cause environmental disasters.
However,
because it is a threat that all countries face and much work is being done to
combat climate change through international cooperation, climate change is
often a security issue worldwide.
Impact of climate change
Climate
change has negative effects on national economies in many ways. Here are some
examples:
•
High seas lead to flooding, which damages property and infrastructure along the
coast.
•
Extreme droughts and erratic rainfall have been linked to climate change and
can disrupt agriculture and supply chains.
•
Climate change can also lead to extreme storms and natural disasters, which
cause widespread property damage and loss of life.
Specific
Threats to the United States
Climate
change is a global threat; at the same time, some of its implications had a
special impact on the United States. For
example, a Pentagon report said that climate change threatens the stability of
many critical US military bases.
The
report focused on 79 military installations around the world and found that 53
of them are currently at risk from flooding; 43, due to drought; and 36, due to
forest fires.
Fight Against Climate Change
Climate
change poses great risks. Governments can take practical steps to protect
national security interests from climate change and its destruction.
•
Governments can set emission targets, thereby reducing air pollution.
•
The government can encourage the use of electric or hybrid vehicles, mainly
through tax incentives.
•
Governments can invest in public transport infrastructure, reducing the need
for cars on the road.
•
Government scientific agencies can educate the public about the dangers of
climate change and what actions individuals can take to reduce this threat.
•
The government can support carbon farming and other environmentally neutral
practices.
•
The government can also impose fines on companies that do not comply with
environmental standards.
5. INTERNATIONAL CRIME
One
of the biggest threats to national security is transnational crime. The FBI
defines foreign criminal organizations as groups that seek power, influence, or
financial gain through illegal activities, regardless of geographic location.
Examples of Crimes Across Countries
Transnational criminal groups operate across borders and violate the laws of many countries; as a result, they pose a threat to many countries at the same time.
Closing the
gap may require different national security agencies to work together – a
difficult task given jurisdictional issues and conflicts between countries. International
crimes can take many forms, including:
•
Buying illegal products, including drug trafficking
•
Illegal activities, such as human trafficking
•
Marketing and sales promotion
International Crime Prevention
Different
countries treat cross-border crimes in different ways.
In
the United States, the FBI has a foreign crime program dedicated to eliminating
any criminal activity that threatens American interests.
Specifically,
the FBI uses laws like the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act
(RICO), which gives them the legal means to disrupt and dismantle entire
criminal organizations, rather than individual criminals. According to the FBI,
the agency uses a "multi-pronged approach" to locate foreign criminal
groups and disable their criminal infrastructure.
Ensuring
the safety of the community and its residents
Major threats threaten every nation
It
is important that the government invests efforts in national security and
emergency response, enabling them to identify and prevent any natural or
man-made disaster and peace, security and stability.
If
you are interested in these goals and want to pursue a career in national
security, you can start by learning more opportunities to prepare. Enrolling in
an educational program that focuses on community safety and emergency response
can help you develop the skills necessary to succeed in this field.