Question
SECTION A (30 MARKS) Q1. a) Discuss the history of strategic studies focusing particularly on the post World War II (10 Marks) b) Explain the role of the military and economic power in national security (10 Marks). c) Demonstrate the role of diplomacy in geostrategic politics (10 Marks) SECTION B (40 marks) Q2.a) Assess the role of military alliances in regional politics. (10 Marks) b) Explain the relationship between good governance and national security. (5Marks) Q3) Evaluate the following concepts as understood in strategic studies: a) War (10 Marks) b) Deterrence (10 Marks) Q4.a) With examples, assess how political integration affects regional security (10 Marks) b) Examine realism theory in relation to national security (10 Marks) Q5.a) Discuss Measures taken to ensure national security by any government (10 Marks) b) Explain the role of development in ensuring national security (10 Marks) Q6.a) Discuss the role of states in international counter-insurgency strategie:(10 Marks) b) Evaluate the challenges of globalization in pursuing National security. (10 Marks)
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**SECTION A (30 MARKS)**<br /><br />**Q1. a) Discuss the history of strategic studies focusing particularly on the post World War II (10 Marks)**<br /><br />Post-WWII strategic studies were heavily influenced by the Cold War. The emergence of nuclear weapons led to the development of deterrence theories, particularly Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD). The focus shifted from traditional warfare to nuclear strategy, arms control, and proxy wars. The rise of superpowers, the USA and USSR, created a bipolar world, and strategic studies analyzed the balance of power, alliances (NATO and the Warsaw Pact), and ideological conflicts. Post-Cold War, strategic studies broadened to include non-state actors, terrorism, economic security, environmental security, and cyber warfare.<br /><br />**Q1. b) Explain the role of military and economic power in national security (10 Marks)**<br /><br />Military power provides the capacity to defend a nation's interests, deter aggression, and project influence. A strong military can protect a country's territory, resources, and citizens. Economic power provides the resources to build and maintain a strong military, fund other aspects of national security (like intelligence agencies and cybersecurity), and influence other nations through trade and aid. A robust economy can withstand external pressures and support a nation's long-term security goals. The two are intertwined; economic strength fuels military power, and military power can protect economic interests.<br /><br />**Q1. c) Demonstrate the role of diplomacy in geostrategic politics (10 Marks)**<br /><br />Diplomacy is crucial for managing international relations, resolving conflicts peacefully, and building alliances. It allows states to negotiate agreements, build trust, and cooperate on shared security concerns. Effective diplomacy can prevent conflicts from escalating into war, foster economic cooperation, and promote international stability. It is a vital tool for achieving national security goals without resorting to military force.<br /><br /><br />**SECTION B (40 marks)**<br /><br />**Q2. a) Assess the role of military alliances in regional politics (10 Marks)**<br /><br />Military alliances shape regional power dynamics by creating a collective security framework. They can deter potential aggressors, enhance the military capabilities of member states, and provide a platform for joint military exercises and operations. Alliances can also influence regional politics by promoting shared values and interests, mediating disputes among members, and coordinating responses to regional crises.<br /><br />**Q2. b) Explain the relationship between good governance and national security (5 Marks)**<br /><br />Good governance, characterized by transparency, accountability, rule of law, and effective institutions, strengthens national security by fostering stability and legitimacy. It reduces corruption, promotes economic development, and addresses grievances that could lead to internal conflict. A well-governed state is more resilient to internal and external threats and can effectively mobilize resources to address security challenges.<br /><br />**Q3. a) Evaluate the concept of war as understood in strategic studies (10 Marks)**<br /><br />War is understood as an organized and violent conflict between political entities, typically states. Strategic studies analyze the causes of war, its conduct, and its consequences. It examines the use of force, military strategy, the role of technology, and the impact of war on society and international relations. Different theories of war, such as realism, liberalism, and constructivism, offer various explanations for why wars occur.<br /><br />**Q3. b) Evaluate the concept of deterrence as understood in strategic studies (10 Marks)**<br /><br />Deterrence is a strategy aimed at preventing an adversary from taking an undesirable action by threatening unacceptable consequences. It relies on the credible threat of retaliation to discourage aggression. Strategic studies examine the requirements for effective deterrence, including the capability to inflict significant damage, the credibility of the threat, and the communication of resolve. Deterrence can be achieved through military means (nuclear weapons, conventional forces), economic sanctions, or diplomatic pressure.<br /><br />**Q4. a) With examples, assess how political integration affects regional security (10 Marks)**<br /><br />Political integration, such as the formation of regional organizations like the European Union, can enhance regional security by promoting cooperation, resolving disputes peacefully, and creating shared institutions. The EU, for example, has contributed to peace and stability in Europe by fostering economic interdependence and facilitating political dialogue. However, integration can also create new security challenges, such as the need to manage shared borders and address the concerns of member states about loss of sovereignty.<br /><br />**Q4. b) Examine realism theory in relation to national security (10 Marks)**<br /><br />Realism views the international system as anarchic, where states are the primary actors and pursue their national interests in a competitive environment. National security, from a realist perspective, is achieved through maximizing power, forming alliances, and maintaining a strong military. Realists emphasize the importance of self-help and the balance of power in ensuring national survival.<br /><br />**Q5. a) Discuss measures taken to ensure national security by any government (10 Marks)**<br /><br />Governments employ various measures to ensure national security, including: maintaining a strong military and intelligence agencies, developing robust cybersecurity defenses, engaging in diplomacy and international cooperation, implementing economic policies that promote stability and growth, investing in education and healthcare, and enacting legislation to counter terrorism and other threats.<br /><br />**Q5. b) Explain the role of development in ensuring national security (10 Marks)**<br /><br />Development contributes to national security by addressing the root causes of instability, such as poverty, inequality, and lack of opportunity. Economic development creates jobs, improves living standards, and strengthens social cohesion, making a country less vulnerable to internal conflict and extremism. It also enhances a country's ability to respond to natural disasters and other emergencies.<br /><br />**Q6. a) Discuss the role of states in international counter-insurgency strategies (10 Marks)**<br /><br />States play a crucial role in counter-insurgency by providing security forces, intelligence, and governance. They work to address the root causes of insurgency, build the capacity of local governments, and win the support of the population. International cooperation is often essential for successful counter-insurgency, with states sharing intelligence, providing training and equipment, and coordinating their efforts.<br /><br />**Q6. b) Evaluate the challenges of globalization in pursuing national security (10 Marks)**<br /><br />Globalization presents several challenges to national security. It facilitates the flow of people, goods, and information across borders, making it easier for transnational threats like terrorism, organized crime, and pandemics to spread. It also increases economic interdependence, making countries more vulnerable to external shocks and pressures. Globalization can erode state sovereignty and create new security dilemmas, requiring states to adapt their national security strategies to a more complex and interconnected world.<br />
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