Question
SECTION A (30 MARKS) Q1. a) Give a brief history of strategic studies demonstrating how it has been key in international relation (10 Marks) b) Discuss the role of the following elements in national security: i. Political power (5 Marks) ii. Military power (5 Marks) c) Explain what is diplomacy and war in the context of strategic studies.(10 Marks) SECTION B (40 marks) Q2) Assess the role of economic power in building strategic alliances (10 Marks) b) Analyze the nature of the current international system (10 Marks) (23) Evaluate the following frameworks as understood in strategic studies: a) Dysfunctional Conflic (10 Marks) b) Friendly relations (10 Marks) Q4.a) With examples,explain how interstate cooperation affects regional security (10 Marks) b) Examine liberalism theory in relation to international security (10 Marks) Q5.a) Discuss Measures taken to ensure national security by governments (10 Marks) b) Examine the role of effective military in ensuring national security (10 Marks) Q6.a) Elaborate the role of intelligence agencies in counter-terrorism . (10 Marks) b) Discuss the challenges of globalization in pursuing international security (10 Marks)
Solution
Expert Verified
4.2(199 Voting)
AveryVeteran · Tutor for 10 years
Answer
**SECTION A (30 MARKS)**<br /><br />**Q1. a) Brief history of strategic studies in international relations:**<br /><br />Strategic studies emerged from the need to understand and manage conflict, particularly in the 20th century. Early influences include Clausewitz's writings on war and Sun Tzu's *Art of War*. Post-WWII, the Cold War spurred its development, focusing on nuclear strategy and deterrence. Thinkers like Bernard Brodie and Thomas Schelling shaped the field with game theory and analyses of nuclear war's implications. The post-Cold War era broadened the scope to include non-state actors, terrorism, economic security, and environmental concerns. Strategic studies remains crucial for understanding power dynamics, conflict resolution, and international security.<br /><br />**Q1. b) Role of elements in national security:**<br /><br />**i. Political power:** Political power is fundamental to national security. It shapes a nation's ability to influence international affairs, negotiate treaties, build alliances, and project its interests globally. Domestically, political stability and effective governance are essential for maintaining order and security.<br /><br />**ii. Military power:** Military power provides the means to defend a nation's sovereignty, deter aggression, and protect its interests. It encompasses military capabilities, personnel, technology, and strategy. A strong military can be a deterrent, but its use must be carefully considered as part of a broader national security strategy.<br /><br />**Q1. c) Diplomacy and war in strategic studies:**<br /><br />Diplomacy is the art and practice of conducting negotiations between nations. In strategic studies, it's viewed as a vital tool for managing international relations, resolving disputes peacefully, and building cooperation. War, conversely, is the ultimate failure of diplomacy. Strategic studies examines the causes of war, its conduct, and its consequences, seeking to understand how it can be prevented or, if necessary, waged effectively. Both are tools states can use to achieve their security objectives.<br /><br />**SECTION B (40 marks)**<br /><br />**Q2. Role of economic power in building strategic alliances:**<br /><br />Economic power plays a significant role in forming alliances. States with strong economies can offer trade benefits, investment opportunities, and financial assistance, making them attractive partners. Economic interdependence can create shared interests and incentives for cooperation, strengthening alliances and promoting stability. For example, economic ties between the US and its allies during the Cold War were a key factor in containing the Soviet Union.<br /><br />**Q2. b) Nature of the current international system:**<br /><br />The current international system is characterized by a complex interplay of factors. It remains largely state-centric, but the influence of non-state actors (NGOs, multinational corporations, terrorist groups) is growing. Globalization has increased interconnectedness, while also exacerbating inequalities and creating new security challenges. The rise of new powers, like China and India, is shifting the global balance of power, leading to a more multipolar world.<br /><br />**Q3. Frameworks in strategic studies:**<br /><br />**a) Dysfunctional Conflict:** Dysfunctional conflict refers to conflicts that are destructive, intractable, and often driven by identity-based grievances, historical animosities, or a lack of effective conflict resolution mechanisms. These conflicts can undermine stability, hinder development, and pose significant security challenges.<br /><br />**b) Friendly relations:** Friendly relations between states are characterized by cooperation, trust, and shared interests. They are built through diplomacy, economic partnerships, cultural exchanges, and security cooperation. Strong friendly relations contribute to regional and international stability and can enhance a nation's security.<br /><br />**Q4. a) Interstate cooperation and regional security:**<br /><br />Interstate cooperation significantly impacts regional security. Joint military exercises, intelligence sharing, and coordinated responses to threats can enhance regional defense capabilities. Economic cooperation can promote stability and reduce the likelihood of conflict. Examples include ASEAN in Southeast Asia and the EU in Europe, where cooperation has fostered peace and prosperity.<br /><br />**Q4. b) Liberalism theory and international security:**<br /><br />Liberalism emphasizes cooperation, international institutions, and the role of democracy in promoting peace. It argues that democracies are less likely to go to war with each other and that international institutions can facilitate cooperation and resolve disputes peacefully. Liberalism also promotes free trade and economic interdependence as factors that contribute to international security.<br /><br />**Q5. a) Measures for national security:**<br /><br />Governments employ various measures to ensure national security, including: developing a robust military, investing in intelligence agencies, engaging in diplomacy, enacting cybersecurity measures, implementing border controls, and promoting economic stability. These measures are often interconnected and must be tailored to a nation's specific threats and vulnerabilities.<br /><br />**Q5. b) Role of an effective military in national security:**<br /><br />An effective military is crucial for deterring aggression, defending national sovereignty, and protecting a nation's interests. It provides the means to respond to threats, project power, and participate in international security operations. A well-trained, well-equipped, and professionally led military is a cornerstone of national security.<br /><br />**Q6. a) Role of intelligence agencies in counter-terrorism:**<br /><br />Intelligence agencies play a vital role in counter-terrorism by gathering information on terrorist groups, their activities, and their plans. This intelligence is used to disrupt terrorist plots, identify and track terrorists, and understand the root causes of terrorism. Effective intelligence is essential for preventing terrorist attacks and mitigating their impact.<br /><br />**Q6. b) Challenges of globalization in pursuing international security:**<br /><br />Globalization presents several challenges to international security. It facilitates the spread of transnational crime, terrorism, and infectious diseases. It can exacerbate economic inequalities, leading to instability and conflict. The interconnected nature of the global economy means that economic shocks can quickly spread across borders, impacting national security. Addressing these challenges requires international cooperation and effective global governance.<br />
Click to rate: