Topic > International Security: How HIV and AIDS Affect...

In reading The Contested Concept of Security, Steve Smith suggests that security is based on human security, in the sense that for security there is something more than brute force. Traditionally, from a realist perspective, security has been defined exclusively as military defense. From a liberal perspective, security is not only military, but also institutional. However, after the events of September 11, many people like Steve Smith had good reason to reevaluate the meaning of the entire concept of security. It suggests that security needs to be defined more broadly and that the concept of security is essentially a derivative/contested term. One of the variables that can be identified by broadening the definition of security is HIV/Aids, which can lead to a violation of human security and, consequently, national security. As a result, there will be a collapse of the state, which will lead us to international security, which I will explain in more detail later. Traditionally, the military has been a realist approach to security. Realism is a theory of international relations, which states that world politics is driven by competitive self-interest. Realists define security as military because according to Mearsheimer, the aim and objective of every great power is to achieve hegemony (a hegemonic state is a state so powerful that it dominates all other states in the system). Drawing from Anarchy and the Struggle for Power, the reason why great powers seek hegemony is because there are five realistic assumptions about the international system. The first assumption is that “the international system is anarchic, which does not mean that it is chaotic or driven by disorder”. In other words, there is no authority above the individual... at the center of the card... d. As you can see, even after all these efforts, the impact of HIV/AIDS adds an important international security dimension. Also considering human rights, the United Nations will find it very difficult to deploy HIV-negative soldiers, leaving them with a shortage of armed forces, in which they will have to meet their operational needs. In conclusion, HIV/AIDS is a lethal disease that kills millions every year. It can lead to a violation of human security and, consequently, national security. As a result, there will be a collapse of the state, which will lead us to international security. Finally, it is in the interest of countries with advanced medical infrastructure to produce a viable and affordable AIDS vaccine, as it will sooner or later backfire on them. Furthermore, all new security challenges are likely to diminish if we can gain control of this pandemic.