Can Natural Disasters Be Considered to Be Matters of International Security - Essay Example

RUNNING HEAD: NATURAL DISASTER & INTERNATIONAL SECURITY Can natural disasters be considered to be matters of international security Name Class Date Can natural disasters be considered to be matters of international security We live in a very different world than we once did. No longer are the threats we as a world face merely defined by international conflict. Our international security is now defined as the collective security of each nation. What affects one country has an impact on the world as a whole. This was demonstrated to us tragically with the occurrence of the Asian Tsunami in late December of last year. Natural disasters not only affect the country in which they originate but they pose a real international threat to us all. As such, we, also as a collective unit beyond governmental and geographical boundaries, have a shared responsibility to effectively deal with them and move towards a recognition that to effect such changes sweeping policy shifts must occur. Introduction The tsunami disaster graphically and horribly confirmed one of the most fundamental themes running through the High Level Panel report - that however much different security threats might resonate differently in different parts of the world, reflecting differences in geography, power and wealth, nonetheless none of us can escape, ultimately, the impact of any of them. When it comes to facing security threats, and the obligation to respond effectively to them, we are all in this together.1 These words spoken by Gareth Evans, President of the International Crisis Group and Member of the UN Secretary-General's High Level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change, Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS) illustrate the exact paradigm shift we must undertake. Although the threat of war is real, the security issues raised by cataclysmic natural disasters are no less a threat to security. Where we need to focus is not after the disaster occurs, although of course humanitarian aid does need to occur immediately after; rather, we need to examine what we can do to reduce the vulnerability of these high risk areas so when disaster does occur devastation and loss can be minimized, both to people and to the infrastructure of the individual nation. "Today's threats to our security are all interconnected. We can no longer afford to see problems such as terrorism, or civil wars, or extreme poverty, in isolation. Our strategies must be comprehensive. Our institutions must overcome their narrow preoccupations and learn to work across the whole range of issues, in a concerted fashion."2 Defining the New Consensus The stability of the world is dependent on a number of factors, each inter-related. At one point, in the not so distant past, what appeared to be the greatest security risk to us all was war and violence. These barriers are coming down; the Soviet Union is no more. No longer is there a 'battle' for supremacy needed amongst the super powers. The spread of Communism and its perceived encroachment on democratic states is no longer a relevant issue. With the void left in its wake the world is left to finally tackle the issues we face collectively as united nations not individual entities. As such, what affects one, affects us all. The case for collective security today rests on three basic pillars. Todays threats recognize no national boundaries, are connected, and must be addressed at the global and regional as well as the national levels. No State, no matter how powerful, can by its own efforts alone make itself invulnerable to today's threats. And it cannot be assumed that every State will always be able, or willing, to meet its responsibility to protect its own peoples and not to harm its neighbours.3 Economic Interdependence The world is getting much smaller and as such countries must rely more and more on each other. Once perceived to be totally separate and independent of each other, boundaries are becoming much more free flowing, not in terms geographically perhaps, but economically the effects are notable. For example, "the financial crisis that collapsed Asian economies in mid-1997 and then bounced around the world was a distant sideshow to most Americans until it reached Wall Street."4 America too often refuses to see the interdependence between world economy and its own. "Global imbalances have been building for years, and the longer they fester without major financial market consequences, the greater the conviction this state of disequilibrium is sustainable."5 Whether the richest country in the world or the poorest, financial crisis in one country can bring the rest of the world to its knees; if such an event plunged the American financial market consideration must be given to how a similar economic situation affects other countries. The crisis in 1977 brought that to the forefront of American thinking. No longer was America immune from the effects of global finance. When Russia in 1978 defaulted economically and the glutted Asian market once flooded with investor capital began to receded, the shock waves were felt on American shores. The Stock Market took a plunge and investment firms were at risk. No longer was it an Asian or Russian problem. It was our problem. At that time economists saw the need for a change, development of a "new international financial architecture, they called it."6 But that was short lived and as the economy began to steady, suddenly we forget about the interdependence that had made it so visible. "Three years after the turmoil and destruction began, the world's unstable financial system remains unchanged and, therefore, still vulnerable to all the excesses of unregulated capitalism that nearly brought it down. Another savage crisis is very likely to occur, somewhere or another and millions of innocent bystanders will, once again, find themselves wiped out by the blind force of global finance, with its reckless, manic appetite for greater returns."7 The world had long seen the impact financial stability of individual nations have upon one another, but too often that impact was viewed as one sided. Wealthier nations understood that their financial health spawned growth potential in poorer companies. However, too often they failed to see that the financial stability of poor nations also impacts the security of wealthier nations. To that end the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF), the two international loan entities, are under increasing pressure to bring to culmination changes initiated years ago to improve the financial health of poorer nations which proposed to "cancel 100 percent of these countries' debt, and to switch to a system of grants for poor countries, rather than loans. These are countries -- mostly in Africa -- where thousands of people are dying each day from AIDS and other even more treatable and preventable diseases, children are being orphaned and economies wrecked."8 Without global unified control on world finances investors can flood a market temporarily for quick gain, pull out and collapse the economy of a country overnight. Others investors will via unregulated banking centers systematically feed off currencies in vulnerable positions forcing them into further decline and devaluation. All these things, these acts against countries will continue until globally we put a stop to it. What happens half way around the world does matter and it does affect each country collectively. Developing a strong economic base and financial direction with a unified goal of strengthening each other is paramount. Regardless of where each country stands in the wealth hierarchy, each is important and each should have a voice in shaping how we manage the world economy. A health economy means health for all. Trade between Nations Going hand in hand with developing a sound financial base between countries and seeing how a financial crisis or boom in one country can and does affect all, is trade between nations. "Trade liberalization is an essential ingredient in developing countries' efforts to achieve economic growth and to help reduce poverty in their countries."9 The interdependence of nations is again displayed in this very basic concept of give and take. No one country can be independent unto itself. We all need goods and products produced by many. Understanding and fostering this relationship is paramount in developing a strong economic base - first for the country supplying the goods, but also for the company purchasing the goods. Developing trust and mutual understanding between countries enables all to prosper and grow. Again this is true from the richest to the poorest country and each can benefit for the interdependence. Investment in developing nations allows richer countries to receive goods needed while providing economic infusion needed for development. In layman's terms, give and take - all benefit. An example of this is examined in the Export-led Poverty Reduction Programme (EPRP) sponsored by the International Trade Centre. This program invests in developing nations to improve economic standing while supplying goods and services needed. To date the "EPRP projects are generating export sales up to US$ 1.3 million in 2005."10 One of the notable benefits to this program in addition to the increased revenues and jobs is the development of infrastructure within the developing nations. Water treatment plants are being constructed, roads are improved and buildings are erected. This infusion is not only benefiting those directly involved with the ventures, but also those living in the host countries. Programs such as this recognize the responsibility that each country has towards another and how utilizing this interdependence promotes growth for all. In short everyone benefits. As we develop stronger individual economies, collectively we grow stronger as well. The goal of programs such as this is to "support a strong, rules-based multilateral trading system that will maintain the momentum for further trade liberalisation, while contributing to rising standards of living and sustainable development"11 which will, in effect, increase overall international security through economic stabilization and increased growth. Defining International Security The United Nations defines International Security as "Any event or process that leads to large-scale death or lessening of life chances and undermines States as the basic unit of the international system is a threat to international security."12 As seen in this definition international security is not just protecting ones borders; it is protecting each other. In doing so, we, in effect protect each other. Through this interdependence possibilities are opened up for all, above politics, above economics - it involves securing international security through allowing the potential of all to be realized. I have demonstrated how international finance and trade are not independent entities of any one country rather they each countries economy is merely a strand in the fabric of our global health. If one strand is frayed or breaks the entire garment is devalued. As such, it is important to understand the effect of poverty on the soundness of a nation as well. . "The most basic capabilities for human development are to lead long and healthy lives, to be knowledgeable, to have access to the resources needed for a decent standard of living and to be able to participate in the life of the community. Without these, many choices are simply not available, and many opportunities in life remain inaccessible."13 Development and Security Devastation and loss arising from natural disasters can occur anywhere in the world. However, it appears that those countries that can least afford them are most frequently affected by them. When considering the impact of how similar losses would impact more developed nations, it becomes apparent how devastating these events are to undeveloped countries. The loss of life is increased and the financial implications often threaten the very stability of the country involved. The extreme poverty felt in many regions of the world when exacerbated by a natural disaster of cataclysmic proportions lead to further unrest and despair. Without viewing this as an international security issue, we are burying our heads in the sand. Such unrest often leads to civil strife and political upheaval, often culminating in war. This more traditional threat we can all agree upon. Dealing with the humanitarian issues behind it is nothing more than becoming proactive versus strictly reactive. Poverty is a serious problem which undermines the very fabric of an individual state's security. As such, when an individual state is affected it supersedes manmade boundaries and affects the security of us all. Understanding the link between poverty and international security is vital to make the leap to understanding that natural disasters impact security. We cannot control when and where natural disasters will strike, but we can control how we have prepared for them and how we respond to them. That is, or should be, the impetus for proactive versus reactive behavior on the part of us all. World wide over one billion people do not have access to potable drinking water. There is no sanitation available to two billion people worldwide. Because of these two facts alone three million people die yearly from water related diseases and bacteria. Fourteen million people die each year from hunger and of those six million are children. Additionally there 842 million undernourished people today. Not surprisingly 95% of these people live in the poorest countries of the world.14 These are not statistics. These are people. These issues coupled with a natural disaster only further stretch limited resources of these countries, add to human despair, erode further any infrastructure that was in place, deplete available resources and depending on the nature of the disaster affect water supplies. Add to that the rise in disease associated with poorer economies and lack of adequate medical treatment, the problem becomes further exacerbated. Dealing with issues such as HIV/AIDS also becomes a global issue. "An estimated 25 million adults and children were living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa at the end of 2003. During that year, an estimated 2.2 million people died from AIDS. The epidemic has left behind some twelve million orphaned African children."15 This area encompasses many of the poorest countries in the world. It is while in such a crisis, that humanitarian aid must be administered swiftly and efficiently in order to stem the cyclic tide of poverty and war. Research has shown, as Table 1 below reflects, the direct correlation between poverty and civil war. Table 1 Correlation between Poverty and Civil Unrest16 Taking a united approach to reduce poverty provides added security to all of us. Just as global economics and trade affect us all, so does reducing poverty on a global level. A solid economic base leads to stability within each country. Although economics alone are not enough to solve all armed conflicts, a healthy economy leads to improved health of each member of that country. As economic conditions improve, related problems such as hunger, lack of infrastructure, health care and disease control all improve. This leads to yet a stronger country and ultimately a stronger world wide community. Relating this all to Natural Disaster Understanding the inter-relationship between all countries in regard to economics and finances was a necessary step to demonstrate the dependence we have on one another. No country, regardless of wealth, military standing, or political power can stand without being affected by its worldwide community. That point was driven home with deadly accuracy on September 11, 2001 when a struggling poor nation barely thought of by most Americans at the time brought the United States to its knees. This example explains better than a thousand books could how each country is affected by the economics and climates of each other and how we all share a joint 'vulnerability'. To understand this is to understand that a problem on the other side of the world is and should be considered ours as well. That being said, natural disasters as and when they occur affect not just the area where the devastation occurs, but as their security is threatened so too is ours. On December 26, 2004 an earthquake with a magnitude of 9.15 set off a deadly tsunami in Asia which killed almost 275,000 people resulting in it being the deadliest tsunami ever recorded. "The tsunami killed people over an area ranging from the immediate vicinity of the quake in Indonesia, Thailand and the north-western coast of Malaysia to thousands of kilometres away in Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and even as far as Somalia, Kenya and Tanzania in eastern Africa. The disaster prompted a huge worldwide effort to help victims of the tragedy, with billions of dollars being raised for disaster relief."17 Not only was the loss of life in this disaster devastating, but it was further complicated in that hardest hit were nations financially least able to incur the costs of recovery. There was a widespread outpouring from across the world to assist with humanitarian aid. To the average person perhaps they saw the individual devastation, sorrow and loss. Although that is not to be minimized at all, much more than individual loss was at stake. Stability of countries and thereby the world were affected as well. It has been almost a year now since the tsunami struck and it has faded from the minds of many. However, there is still much to do. Authorities are grappling with how to dispose of the vast volume of tsunami waste, some of it laced with oil, asbestos and hazardous waste. sewage treatment plant still isn't working, forcing it to dump untreated waste into the ocean. Nearly 50 tons of expired medications - some of it donated after the tsunami - sit in a warehouse awaiting safe disposal, and there are at least 32 unregulated dump sites containing leaky oil drums, medical waste and asbestos-laced roof tops.18 Although the outpouring was strong immediately after the tsunami there is much still that must be done. The rebuilding of the areas devastated by this disaster is a world wide endeavor, and should not be left for those few countries struck to face alone. This call for unification has not gone unnoticed. "To date, the world has raised an estimated $13.6 billion. Some 92 countries provided assistance during the past year, including countries, such as North Korea and Niger, themselves in need of aid."19 The region is now transitioning from relief to recovery. Through examining earlier the cyclic nature of poverty and civil war, it becomes that much more imperative that we devise a systematic approach to improving conditions worldwide before disaster occurs. Improved economies mean improved infrastructure and in the time of natural disaster leads to less loss of life. Planning for tomorrow today is a goal we need to embrace. In hindsight one thing that all nations seemed to agree upon after the tsunami was a need for an early warning system to be in place to reduce the loss of life should another tsunami occur in this region. The United Nations in stated that "efforts should serve the purpose of strengthening international cooperation aimed at the creation of a global multi-hazard early warning system, including the newly established Indian Ocean Warning and Mitigation System."20 This system was put in place and is now operational. It is the fruition of the belief that natural disasters above being devastating for those directly impacted are, indeed, a matter of international security for all of us. In closing, we have seen how each country from the smallest to the greatest is interdependent on each other from economics to trade to disease control to building a stronger infrastructure to assisting in disaster relief. If anyone had doubt as to whether worldwide interdependence and international security is only one sided and wealthier nations do not need or are not affected by the stability of poorer nations, consider this: On September 11th, as the World Trade Center began to crumble, one of greatest examples of interdependence ever was on television screens around the world. Interdependence was already obvious in the harsh realities of global warming, HIV, terrorism, crime and unregulated global capitalism. However, on that day the world saw that the problems of one region are not simply isolated issues, but that our problems are interconnected. Furthermore, the world saw that security was not something guaranteed by power.21 Each member of the world community has a responsibility to one another, both in times of natural disaster and in prosperity. When we collectively help one another, we are in effect helping ourselves. If there are any remaining doubts if natural disasters have an impact on international security, ask yourself what would have happened last December if no one stepped forward to help. References "Building Partnerships in Growth." (2005) Organisation for Economic Co-operations and Growth website. Retrieved December 19, 2005, from http://www.oecd.org/department/0,2688,en_2649_33705_1_1_1_1_1,00.html Evans, Garth. (2 Jan. 2005) "After the Tsunami: Prospects for Collective Security Reform In 2005". International Crisis Group and Member of the UN Secretary-General's High Level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change, Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS). Retrieved December 17, 2005, from: http://www.crisisgroup.org/home/index.cfmid=3216&l=1 "The Export Led Poverty Reduction Program" (2005). International Trade Centre. Retrieved December 18, 2005, from http://www.intracen.org/eprp/Project_Briefs/EPRP.htm "G-7 Should Have Cancelled Poor Country Debt." (4 Oct 2004). Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR). Retrieved December 18, 2005, from http://www.cepr.net/columns/weisbrot/debt_failure.htm "General Assembly Calls for Further Strengthening United Nations Humanitarian Capacity to Assist Millions of Disaster Victims Worldwide." (14 Nov. 2005). United Nations GA/10420. Retrieved December 19, 2005, from http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2005/ga10420.doc.htm Greider, William. (5 Apr. 2000) "Time to Rein in Global Finance." The Nation. Retrieved December 17, 2005, from http://www.thenation.com/doc/20000424/greider "HIV and AIDS Statistics for Africa." (2004). AVERT, an International AIDS Charity Website. Retrieved December 19, 2005, from http://www.avert.org/subaadults.htm "Human Development." (2005). One World - Nations Online. Retrieved December 19, 2005, from http://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/ Inderfurth, Karl F., Fabrycky, D., & Cohen, Stephen P. (Dec. 2005). "The Tsunami Report Card." Foreign Policy Magazine. Brookings Institute. Retrieved December 19, 2005, from http://www.brookings.edu/views/articles/CohenS/tsunami_dec2005.pdf "Indian Ocean Tsunami" (2004) Wikipedia Online Encyclopedia. Retrieved December 17, 2005, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsunami "Interdependence Day." (2005). CivDay, Citizen's Campaign for Democracy Website. Retrieved December 19, 2005, from http://www.civworld.org/day.htm "International Trade Benefits, Obligations" (12 Nov. 2001). World Trade Organization(WTO). DUSTR Summit. Retrieved December 19, 2005, from "Looking to 2006: Global Economic Forum." (2005). Morgan Stanley Ecomonics Website. Retrieved December 19, 2005, from http://www.morganstanley.com/GEFdata/digests/latest-digest.html#anchor2 "A More Secure World: Our Shared Responsibility." (2004) Report of the Secretary- General's High Level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change. United Nations. "Tsunami: Still Taking its Toll" (2005). MSNBC online. 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