Security Apparatus

Evolving Definitions of Security

The geopolitical, social, and economic developments that have occurred since the last decade of [Page 2378]the 20th century have made the distinction between internal and external security increasingly blurred, thereby influencing both the concept and the structure of security apparatuses throughout the world. The rise in independent states and in worldwide travel and exchange, for example, and a more open communication society have greatly influenced the strategic thinking underpinning national and international security affairs.

Whether geared toward facing risks, threats, or actual dangers, the security apparatus will require several basic elements to meet its challenges, as it would normally be triggered by an asymmetric scenario where the attacker would have at its disposal a range of targets to strike through different tactics. Hence, a security strategy will represent the basic framework of any security apparatus, one encompassing all the elements that may need protection as well as the tools and measures available to provide such protection. The key to any strategy is accurate information and skilled users who are able to receive it and take appropriate action. Therefore, information gathering and processing also need to be assessed in view of their value and meaning for a security apparatus.

A list of what must be protected and the corresponding security measures may be only tentative due to the dynamic character of the security environment; nonetheless, the broad categories of internal and external security may generally be broken down into elements such as resources, infrastructures, and civil protection; natural and man-made disasters; policing, intelligence, military, and diplomatic sectors; nongovernmental and intergovernmental cooperation; and low-intensity conflict and state of war. An open-ended list may be further developed through an examination of issues of concern to national security, including “megaprotection” in conventional, strategic, and nuclear deterrence; serious and organized crime, including illicit arms and drugs trafficking, and terrorism; commercial, industrial, financial, and economic competitiveness; environmental decay; and cultural and ethical values.

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