Chapter 5 of NCERT Class 12 Political Science Part 1 is titled Security in the Contemporary World. This chapter explains what security means today—far beyond just military strength. It introduces students to different types of security threats that nations face in the modern world. From nuclear weapons to cyber-attacks, climate change to terrorism, the chapter breaks down each area in a simple and structured way. It also highlights how global cooperation has become crucial for protecting national and human interests.
I’m writing about this topic because students often assume “security” only means tanks, soldiers, and wars. But today, real threats could come from a virus like COVID-19, a flood caused by climate change, or even an economic collapse. This chapter opens our minds to the new meaning of national and international security. It also matters because security isn’t only a concern for governments—it affects daily life. For example, data privacy, clean drinking water, or access to vaccines are all part of human security now. So, understanding this chapter is not just for scoring marks in exams but also for becoming a more aware citizen.
What Does Security Mean Today?
Traditionally, security meant protecting a country’s borders and people through military power. But after the Cold War, the meaning of security has expanded.
Two Major Concepts of Security:
| Type of Security | Focus Area | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Security | Military strength, defence, wars | India-Pakistan war, nuclear weapons |
| Non-Traditional Security | Human rights, climate, health, migration | COVID-19 pandemic, terrorism |
In today’s world, both types are important. No country can rely only on weapons anymore. Cyber attacks, pandemics, and economic instability can be just as dangerous.
Traditional Notions of Security
This includes defence from external threats using:
- Army, Navy, and Air Force
- Diplomacy to avoid war
- Alliances like NATO
- Nuclear deterrence
Countries also spend a large portion of their budget on defence. For example, India’s defence budget in 2024-25 was around ₹6.2 lakh crore.
But military security alone can’t solve all problems.
Non-Traditional Notions of Security
This is where the chapter gets more interesting and relevant for our lives.
1. Human Security
Focuses on individual well-being. Includes:
- Food security
- Health care
- Employment
- Protection from violence
2. Environmental Security
Climate change, pollution, and natural disasters are huge threats today.
- Rising sea levels
- Deforestation
- Extreme weather events
3. Terrorism
Not just cross-border terrorism but also home-grown and cyber terrorism.
4. Migration and Refugees
Millions of people are forced to leave homes due to war, poverty, or disasters.
5. Health Security
After COVID-19, every country realised that hospitals and vaccines are as important as missiles.
Role of Cooperation in Ensuring Security
Countries cannot handle these threats alone. That’s why international cooperation is essential.
Examples:
- Paris Climate Agreement (for climate security)
- WHO coordination during pandemics
- UN Peacekeeping Forces in war-torn areas
- Sharing intelligence to stop terrorism
Even in South Asia, countries under SAARC try to cooperate on disaster management and health issues.
How Security Affects Us as Citizens
- A cyber-attack can steal your personal data
- Climate change affects farmers and food prices
- A health crisis like COVID-19 can disrupt school, jobs, and transport
- Terrorism can create fear in society
That’s why understanding modern-day security is not only for policymakers but also for students, teachers, and citizens.
Download PDF: NCERT Class 12 Political Science Part 1 Chapter 5 – Security in the Contemporary World
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NCERT Class 12 Political Science Part 1 Chapter 5 – Security in the Contemporary World
