INTRODUCTION
Collective security is a concept where states collectively come together against one state or group. During the second world war military alliances formed collective security for the defence of the Nation state against the aggression of other states. It ensures actions against any aggressive state who endanger the security of other states. Here security of the state becomes the responsibility of the whole group. Collective security can be ensured by military or non military methods. It is a collective arrangement to maintain peace. International organisations like the League OF Nation and the United Nations were set up to maintain peace in the world. The concept of collective security is based on the belief that the security of one state cannot be ensured at the expense of the security of others, and that security should be maintained through cooperation and collective action.
MEANING
Collective security is a concept in international relations that refers to the idea that the security of each individual state is interconnected and that an attack on one state is an attack on all states. The idea behind collective security is that states should work together to prevent conflicts and maintain peace and security in the international system, rather than relying on individual states to ensure their own security. The concept of collective security emphasizes the importance of cooperation among states and the need for collective action to address security threats and challenges. This approach seeks to promote peace and stability in the international system and prevent the outbreak of war by making it clear that an attack on one state will be met with a collective response from the international community.
FEATURES OF COLLECTIVE SECURITY :-
- MULTILATERALISM : Collective security is based on the principle of multilateralism, which means that states should work together to address security threats and challenges. This approach to security emphasizes the importance of cooperation among states and seeks to promote peace and stability in the international system.
- CENTRALIZED AUTHORITY : Collective security systems typically involve a centralized authority, such as the United Nations (UN), to enforce peace and security. The centralized authority is responsible for overseeing the implementation of collective security measures and making decisions on the use of military force, if necessary.
- MILITARY FORCE : Collective security may involve the use of military force to respond to security threats and challenges. In some cases, collective security systems authorize the use of military force to respond to an attack on a member state. The use of military force is typically seen as a last resort, only to be used when all other means of resolving a conflict have failed.
- SHARED RESPONSIBILITY : Collective security involves a shared responsibility among states to address security challenges and maintain peace and security. This means that states are expected to contribute to the maintenance of collective security by participating in multilateral institutions and by upholding international law.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COLLECTIVE SECURITY AND BALANCE OF POWER :-
- NATURE : Balance of power is a concept in international relations that refers to the distribution of power and influence among states. The idea of balance of power is based on the belief that states act in their own self-interest and that the distribution of power among states helps to maintain peace and stability in the international system. Collective security, on the other hand, is a system for maintaining peace and security through collective action.
- FOCUS : Balance of power focuses on the distribution of power and influence among states, while collective security focuses on the maintenance of peace and security through cooperation and collective action. The focus of balance of power is on ensuring that no one state becomes too powerful, while the focus of collective security is on ensuring that all states are secure.
- APPROACH : Balance of power relies on the principle of self-help, where states act in their own self-interest to maintain the balance of power. Collective security, on the other hand, relies on the principle of cooperation and collective action to maintain peace and security. The approach of balance of power is individualistic, while the approach of collective security is cooperative.
- CENTRALIZED AUTHORITY : Balance of power operates without a centralized authority, while collective security operates under a centralized authority, such as the UN. The centralized authority in collective security systems is responsible for making decisions on the use of military force and for overseeing the implementation of collective security measures.
CONCLUSION :-
While both balance of power and collective security seek to maintain peace and stability in the international system, they differ in their approach, focus, and the role of centralized authority. While balance of power relies on the principle of self-help and operates without a centralized authority, collective security relies on the principle of cooperation and operates under a centralized authority.