[Essay] European Security Strategy Reflects the Changing Attitude to Security

Introduction

Security issues have been an important aspect in any place, any city, any region and in any country. Different governments whether national and local, are spending much of their budget in implementing security strategy. Globalization, innovation and technology are the aspects that helped the life of many people and countries in the world but unfortunately, it is now being used as a tool in creating violence and chaos and other threat in the security issues of different countries.

During the five years after the fall of the Berlin wall, redefining the nature and requirements of the European security have been the most challenging conceptual tasks (MacArdle Kelleher, 1995, p. 1). If you are going to view it in the perspective of the Western Europe, the continent is now more secured than the any other era in the past two centuries. The threat of the Soviet empire was gone so as the competition of idea with the communist system. The peaceful and democratic unification of Germany also added to the security development of the country (MacArdle Kelleher, 1995, p. 1). According to MacArdle Kelleher (1995), the said union was bound firmly by their choice to create an integrated European economic system and create a transatlantic security community (p. 1).

During the forty years after the World War II, Europe lived with relatively simple security architecture (Patten, 2003, p. 1). The Iron Curtain drew a tangible, easy-to-identify limit between the space and the potential enemies (Patten, 2003, p. 1). Patten (2003) stated that, a strategy of containment was widely accepted by the majority of the European countries and underpinned by North Atlantic Treaty Organization or NATO (p.1).

European Security Strategy

Due to different events that have happened in different part of the globe, Europe is now expanding its strategy regarding the security issues of their continent. Europe was intensely taken aback of the Warsaw Pact and break up of the former Yugoslavian Federation and more recently, the 9/11 bombing showing that even USA was no longer the untouched, invulnerable haven that it had been all through the twentieth Century (Patten, 2003, p. 1). The terrorism attacks of September were a dreadfully dramatic demonstration of the new security threats that face the human race (Patten, 2003, p.1). It served as an eye opener of different countries in the world.

Nowadays, every nation and region is in great need of comprehensive, widely supported Security Strategy in order to operate in a more complex and fast-moving environment (Patten, 2004, p. 2). It is crucial to define the strategy that will help to make a momentous progress and help to focus on the specific political and operational decisions that it means (Patten, 2003, p.2).

Institutional Change

Many of the directions of institutional change were clear as well as the period of debate and rapid change are at close, from the vantage point of late 1994 (MacArdle Kelleher, 1995, p. 23). NATO has emerged as the primary framework for European security, and the relationship will stay for as long as the United States wishes it and as long as the said country will remain engaged to the pact (McArdle Kelleher, 1995, p.23).

To ensure security against neighbor countries like for example, Russia, NATO created two mechanisms that will help to expand their dialogue and collaboration with Russia and other Central and Eastern Europe or CEE states (MacArdle Kelleher, 1995, p. 23). The first one is the North Atlantic Cooperation Council in 1991 and the Partnership for Peace initiative in 1994 that involved a set of bilateral agreements on cooperation between the NATO and the most of the North Atlantic Cooperation Council or NACC states (MacArdle Kelleher, 1995, p. 23).

Transition of European Security Organizations

European security strategy focuses in building relationship with their neighbor countries. In order for them to do this, there are many organizations that have been established in order to focus on different areas and responsibilities of the security issues of the continent. The European Union focuses on its transitional security arm while the Western European Union of WEU; have set their goals and potential capabilities for the future realization of a common foreign and security policy (MacArdle Kelleher, 1995, p. 23).

European Union was created in order to centralize the security development of the continent (Consilium Europa, 2003, p. 2). It helped to strengthened the relationships between the different European states and transform the lives of the continent’s citizens (Consilium Europa, 2003, p. 2). European countries are committed in dealing in a more peaceful way with the disputes and to cooperating through common institutions (Consilium Europa, 2003, p. 2). It helped to spread the rule of law and democracy in a more progressive way and help to change the authoritarian regimes into more secure, stable and dynamic democracies (Consilium Europa, 2003, p. 2).

The most important move and strategy of this organization is the presentation of the clarified relationships between the EU and the NATO. This union was done by setting their rules and regulations in a more parallel living the direct competitive and contradictory policies (MacArdle Kelleher, 1995, p. 23). Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe or CSCE, developed their structures by converting it in a more permanent and by implementing a set of a more narrower and more focused missions using its traditional intergovernmental decision-making procedures (MacArdle Kelleher, 1995, p. 23).

All of this organization are working hard in order for the continent to extend the effort with NATO towards peace monitoring in Georgia and Bosnia and focuses on the protection of their citizen’s protection, political rights in the central European and the Baltic states (MacArdle Kelleher, 1995, p. 23).

Agency of Defense capabilities development, research, acquisition and armaments (Patten, 2004, p. 2)

One of the security strategies of Europe that shows the attitude regarding security is the decision of the Council to create an Agency that will focus on the development of defense capabilities, research, acquisition and armaments in November 2003 (Patten, 2004, p. 2).

This agency will focus mainly in different entities, elements and events that can be a threat to the security of the continent: terrorism, the development rift, and enlargement.

Terrorism indeed is the most powerful security threat in any place, country and continent in the world. Terrorism can affect the overall performance of a country. It can even destroy different industries especially the hospitality and tourism industries. It can also destroy the economy of a certain countries because investors will no longer spend capitals or establish business due to security reasons. Terrorism has evolved from moderately and easily identifiable groups that are fighting for their political goals to a more amorphous organization, for example the Al-Qaeda that is embracing a confused multitude of causes and drawing on disparate resources (Patten, 2004, p. 2). The said agency depends on the groups of learned and professional scientist, technicians and specialist, as well as cutting-edge technologies that will help to protect the people.

European citizens quoted that, poor/rich countries imbalances is one of the threats that they fear the most. According to the survey of French Poll Institute IPSOS in November 2003, 49% of the respondents believe that a poor/rich imbalance is one of the threats that affect the serenity of the continent. Terrorism got 71% while Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction or WMD got 64% (cited in Patten, 2004, p.2). To prevent threat that will come from the anger and hatred that come with poverty, the country is focusing on improving support for their citizens that are in the level of deficiency.

In order to bring security challenges closer to the country’s footstep, the agency have helped to step up and fight against drugs, smuggling as well as help their neighbor countries to develop stable and prosperous partnership. All of these are done by reshaping on an unprecedented scale the external border of the continent.

Other Security Issues

Regional Conflicts can also affect the security issues of the continent. Violent or frozen conflicts can threaten the regional stability of the region. Conflict can lead to extremism, terrorism and state failure (Consilium n.d., p. 5). That is why the continent is focusing on tackling the often elusive new threats that deals with the older problem of the regional conflict (Consilium n.d., p. 5).

Conclusion

Security is the most important aspect of the policy of any county. It can affect the overall image and performance of a particular country in the market. Security can also affect the economy of a country and eventually create a domino effect in the economy of the world. Security is also the most important thing for any family in any country.

European Security has evolved since the day that the continent decided to ask the involvement of American in their security issues (Kay, 1998, p. 14). The involvement of the American during the postwar European security had become ever more important for the Europeans because of the instantaneous concern over the Soviet intentions in the east, the potential for a renewal of German nationalism and the incapability of Britain to maintain its traditional stabilizing authority on the continental balance of power (Kay, 1998, p. 14).

European security focuses greatly on the needs of international security. This will help them to prevent major terrorist devastation via the use of different kinds of destructive weapon such as bombs and different deadly gas. This reflects to the attitude of the world towards global security. Europe is well known for being peaceful and serene, that is why the government and other international organizations are doing their best in order to maintain the level of peacefulness.

European organizations are now working hard in order look at the different aspect of different European states that may be hit by security threat activities. The continent is also focusing on the poverty and disease control. Consilium Europa believes that poverty and disease causes untold suffering and eventually gives rise to the pressing security concerns (p. 3). There are 3 billion people in the world that is suffering from poverty, live on less than 2 Euros a day; there are over 45 million of people die every year because of hunger and malnutrition. Diseases like Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome or AIDS, is one of the most devastating pandemics in the entire human history and helps to contribute to the breakdown of the society. New diseases can spread rapidly and become global security threat (Consilium Europa n.d., p.3). All of the said reasons and events can affect the overall security of the continent. That is why the European government is using different strategies that will compliment to the overall attitude towards the security.

Unlike before, the European government is focusing on their relationships with other continents and countries, offering help and aid for those countries that are suffering from different economic problem such as poverty and helplessness due to natural calamities. The country is no longer focusing only to the internal security of the continent but also give focus to the overall security of the world.

Due to different threat to the security issues of Europe, the continent has continued to improve their security strategy. They have pushed programs that will strengthen their International Atomic Energy Agency, that will measure and tighten the export controls and will deals with the illegal shipments and illicit procurement (Consilium Europa n.d., p. 5).

The Union also focuses in intervening to the issues of regional conflicts in order to prevent failed states. They included the Balkans and Afghanistan. It helped to foster democracy and enable the authorities to tackle organized crime in the EU (Consilium Europa n.d., p.7).

Globalization also helped Europe to organize and implement international law that will reflect and improve the overall security of the world.

Being united and acting as a team is the main advantage and edge of Europe in improving and enhancing their security policies and rule and helped them to be the most peaceful and happy continent in the world.

Bibliography

A Secure Europe in a Better World: European Security Strategy 2003, Consilium Europa, viewed 30 October 2007,

Kay, S 1998, NATO and the Future of European Security, Rowman & Littlefield

MacArdle, C 1995, The Future of European Security: An Interim Assessment, Bookings Institution.

Patten, C 2004, A Security Strategy for Europe, Oxford Journal on Good Governance Vol 1 No 1, Oxford Council on Good Governance, viewed 30 October 2007,

Wi-Fi and Home Security

Introduction

Technologies are all around us. Its introduction gave way the people its freedom to access and communicates to different people at home or in the business. The wireless network created a different dimension of reaching the things in just one click. But in just a click, the danger can also be produced. The recognized danger created the disadvantage perspectives for most of the users and the difficulty to prevent some system attacks bound different providers to craft an adequate solution.

Background of the Study and Problem Statement

Wireless networking is under the standard that suits the Wi-Fi technology which is also the most common device for both home and businesses (Cunningham and Grout, 2008). The communication devices plays vital role and this is not an exemption in the presence of any threats. In the continued use of the Wi-Fi services and technologies, what are the security measures that can be implemented?

Research Objectives

The objectives of the study are firstly focused on the security measures that can be applied in the protection of the technologies from the unwanted misuse of the technology features. Secondly is the adaptation of the basic security or restricted access to the wireless networks. And thirdly is to employ further studies on software that will lead to the more detailed information regarding the security mechanisms. All of the incorporated enclosed in the study are assumed to promote the continuous development of various security measures.

Research Questions

The study provided several questions that will help the entire research in determining the security measures in the wireless networks

· What are the features of an ideal security to the wireless networks?

· What are reactions of the people in the services offered by the security features?

· Is the application of the security measures is effective in terms of protection?

Literature Review

Wireless networks are unprotected and leaving users vulnerable to identity theft and loss of irreplaceable documents (McAfee Inc., 2005). The threats in the networks technologies became popular and addressing the security measures in the Wi-Fi networks. Securities are a very vital issue in the field of information technology and processing (Fordham and Roof, 2008). The residential and business have an increasing demand for the wireless networking and along the way, this contributes to the need for security that is commonly large depending on the number of access points. The extensive work of the networks results to the traffic of information and service utilization. In this case, the capability of the network to deploy the information in different wireless settings is also in the matter of security. Basically, the security is applied to the users of the wireless networks and it is difficult to cover the large demographic areas. Considering the deployment of security on home and business, there should be a certain security mechanism in attempt to derive the correlations between the density and grouping of the access points. In the employment of the wireless networks, it can be assumes that Wi-Fi is commonly put in place to provide ease of access from various locations around the home, rather than because it is easier to network a number of computer systems together (Cunningham and Grout, 2008). The idea of network security can provide the industry of wireless communication the standard and automatic protection against the data theft and unauthorized network access. In addition, the encryption can close the personal information of the users thus protecting the identity of the personal users and financial information for the business. The anti-virus and firewall software is a comprehensive idea for protection as well as the automatic detection of the internal threats (McAfee Inc., 2005).

Research Method

The applied method in the study is the case study review method. Through this method the expected results can be achieved. The review method allows the study to examine the applied security measures on the wireless networks. In the further analysis, the security services can be determined and answer the main problem within the wireless networks.

Expected Results

There is an enormous growing number of people using the wireless networks and being aware about the need for security. As the result, there is a more effective protection in employing a combination of security technique is advisable such as the idea of filtering and encryption.

Schedule of Activities

The scheduled encryption can be dome as the rotation of activities to prevent the attacks of the intruders in the system. Many organizations experienced the acts of hacking in most their private files and the home networks are experiencing the crashing of their systems due to different threats, such as unwanted programs or illegal use of the identity of the other person.

References:

Cunningham, S., & Grout, V., 2008. Peace Driving: Case Studies of Wi-Fi Usage. [Online] Available at: http://www.glyndwr.ac.uk/cunninghams/research/SEIN_wifi.pdf. [Accessed 05 Feb 2010].

Fordham, D., & Roof, B., 2008. Test Your Information Security IQ. Journal of Accountancy, Vol. 206, No. 1.

McAfee Inc., 2005. McAfee Wireless Home Network Security: Proven Security that Protects your Home Wi-Fi Network. Data Sheet of Consumers Security Solutions. [Online] Available at: http://download.mcafee.com/products/manuals/en-us/MWL_DataSheet_2006.pdf. [Accessed 05 Feb 2010].

Why Accidents Happen in the Mining Industry despite Vigorous Training in Safety and Heath?

Introduction

Accidents are common in workplaces and even in households. Also, the injuries varies depending on how much impact the accident happened on a person. Sometimes, the result on an accident causes bruise, dislocated joints, permanent disability, and the worst is death. Accidents can be prevented if there is an effective safety and health policy that can be applied in different industries that were considered as the center of accidents.

Background of the Study

Together with the construction and agriculture, mining belongs to the three of most hazardous industries. Because of the developing world and competing industrialized countries, in natural settings, the agriculture is engaged in the chemicals while construction and mining that involves the physical strength (Weidman, 2002). Based on the past and current records, there are fatal workplace accidents that resulted to damages and casualties. As the main topic of the paper, why there are accidents even though there is a vigorous training in safety and health especially in the mining industry?

Research Objectives

The study recognizes the importance of objectives and thus it was divided into three. Firstly is the recognition of the accidents in the mining industry which usually happens during the operation. Secondly is to assess the different activities that might trigger to the event where the occupations became dangerous to the workers. And thirdly is to open a new room of opportunity in enhancing or development of the safety measures such as innovative tools that can help lessen the rate of accidents in the workplace.

Research Questions

The research understands the critical situation of the mining industry and therefore, the research prepared several questions to achieve the main reason/s behind the accidents in the mining industry.

1. What are the activities involved in the mining industry?

2. What are the safety precautions being applied by the workers to prevent accidents?

3. What are the actions of the business leaders in the mining industry when there is a prevalence of accident?

Literature Review

In any field of human activity, accidents always occur unless there are appropriate actions being taken to reduce or prevent it. The approach to the safety and accident prevention starts by foreseeing the chances of having the harmful consequences and be on more control (Dickinson and Gwyn, 2006). Most of the problems of the industrialized countries is the mining industry and remains as the highly dangerous in the developing world. People or workers usually die because of the two reasons, diseases and accidents. Mining is extremely dirty and difficult job and the trend of the accidents and diseases are mixed. Due to the structural changes and mining activities, accidents occur and proving that there is a need for improvement for making work healthier and safer (Weidman, 2002). One of the major accidents came from the mining or chemical plant explosions, where the miners have only two options, its either they will suffer in physical injury or black lung disease due to the inhaled chemicals (Trumka, 2009). Furthermore, in the fear of losing their jobs, miners or workers suffered from work overload that might decrease their own strength and alertness (Weidman, 2002).

Methodology

The applied method of the study is the use of the interview. Through that process, the participants can be closely observed on how difficult the operation was and have better idea on the reason why there is occurrence of accidents. The participants are the workers of one mining business and the questions being asked is focused on the accidents happened; the effects of the accidents, and the approach of the organization on the health and safety policy within the workplace.

Conclusion

The mining industry, as the most difficult and hazardous workplace should provide an innovative way on their operation. Many miners are oriented and engaged in accidents but not all of them are safe after the accidents. In these cases, the business leaders should provide well-functioned materials that can help the miners lessen the impact of injuries. Leaders or the manufacturers for safety precautions can innovate bright ideas in using technologies or advanced machineries that could not help the miners protect themselves but also, helping them get the job done in a more effective and efficient way.

References:

Dickinson, J., & Gwyn, Y., 2006. Safety Philosophy- Safety in Design in Construction. [Online] Available at: http://nziqs.co.nz/pdf/CICsafety08-05-06.pdf. [Accessed 09 Feb 2010].

Trumka, R., 2009. OSHA Leadership Must Commit to a Strong Federal Role in Worker Safety. After 8 Years of Bush, Can OSHA be Fixed What must be done? Safety Rep, Winter. [Online] Available at: http://www.nycosh.org/pdfs/OSHASafetyRep.pdf. [Accessed 09 Feb 2010].

Weidman, H., 2002. Health and Safety at Work: A Trade Union Priority. Labor Education, Vol. 1, No. 126. [Online] Available at: http://www.ilo.org/public/libdoc/ilo/P/09707/09707%282002-126%2998.pdf. [Accessed 09 Feb 2010].

Border Management in Nigeria and National Security: Challenges and Prospects

Introduction

For the Nigerian policy makers, the effective and integrated border management and its services are bound to be critical in ensuring the safety and security of the citizens, promoting the regional stability, and facilitating the trade and development. This can be only achieved through the efforts to diminish the challenges in the national security. The need of the country for the international security has developed along with the continuous development in the global economy. Every country is facing the challenges in terms of the security and development.

What is Border Management?

The precise meaning that is accepted in the administration of the border management is typically concerns in the borders of the country. The border management is related to the rules, techniques, and activities involves in the regulation of the areas or zones. The borders are diverse and ranging from those of the thousands of people and tons of daily freight and the isolation of the freight products. The border management is part of the national security of the country against the external threats that are prevailing outside the borders of the country. Since, the border management is an approach of the Nigeria’s national security; it also possesses a different kind of challenge that may strike between the illegal entry and legal trade and labor (Mackay, 2008). Through the initiatives of the policy makers, all of the projects are strengthened and with the matter of the political, economic, and social spheres. In the international relations today, different countries had been developing a growing economic order and that are interconnected in the issue of the international security of the management of borders (Kherbi, 2007).

The Need for National Security

Based on the series and assumed threats and challenges, there were present responsible personnel in managing the security. First, the border guards were hired under the authority of a civilian or paramilitary law enforcement service and they are the one being responsible in the prevention of unlawful cross-border activities, detection of the national security threats through the use of surveillance and control facilities that was designated in different border crossing points. Second, the immigrations services are responsible in enforcing the entry and exit restrictions, as well as ensuring the legality of the travel documents, investigating the related criminal records of the people, and providing the need for protection and security assistance. Lastly, the customs and revenue or excise service is a kind of fiscal service that was assigned to regulate the movement of the goods across the borders. The usual function of the service is to facilitate the trade while enforcing the national restrictions in the entry and exit of goods through the implementation of the tariffs, taxations, and protecting the health of the people, animals, and plants (Mackay, 2008).

Common Challenges

The Nigerian policy makers and leaders should recognize the common challenges in their implementation of border management. Most of the less-developed and developing countries exhibit the weakness in terms of their security and through the identification of the challenges, the weakness of the country to provide specific security in their border can be minimized (Kherbi, 2007). There are five common challenges that the Nigerian policy makers should tackle. First is the problem on the long and unpatrolled boundaries that are popular for the human and vehicular traffic. Second is the criminal activity that happens mostly on the border areas such as prostitution, human trafficking, human smuggling and terrorism. Third is the biggest problem of the government which is the corruption that commonly in the areas of immigration and customs. Fourth is the public mistrust of the border services and lastly is the social and economic marginalization of the border areas (Mackay, 2008).

Further Discussion

Most common form of the challenges in the security is the growing global threats and military antagonism. Due to the further cooperation and efforts of the alliances in Nigeria, the ongoing development for the national security is increasingly affecting the national policy (Kherbi, 2007). The national security and border management is important in Nigeria most especially of the country’s attributes as the largest oil producer. Therefore, the continuous training of the personnel involved in the security and the different movement that aims to protect the boundaries should be created and be part of the country’s strategy (Lubeck, Watts, and Lipschutz, 2007).

Conclusion

The Nigerian policy makers and other government officials should provide appropriate law that can monitor the threats in their boundaries as well as minimizing the threats in their internal system. The developing country needs to use all of the social and economic strengths to provide the national security in their boundaries.

References:

Kherbi, A., (2007) “Development’s Security: A New Perspective on International Security”. Harvard International Review, Vol. 29, No. 3.

Lubeck, P., Watts, M., & Lipschutz, R., (2000) “Convergent Interest: U.S. Energy Security and the “Securing” of Nigerian Democracy”, International Policy Report. Accessed 16 Feb 2010, from http://www.ciponline.org/NIGERIA_FINAL.pdf

Mackay, A., (2008). “Border Management and Gender”, Gender and Security Sector Reform Toolkit, Geneva. Accessed 16 Feb 2010, from http://www.un-instraw.org/en/library/gender-peace-and-security/ssr-toolkit-border-management-and-gender/view-2.html