The Concept of Security in International Relations Approaches

The realist paradigm on security in international relations has continued to dominate for a long time. The differentiation of security approaches in international relations literature from the realist paradigm- traditional understanding of security- started after the Cold War. The developments in this period brought the traditional security approach up for discussion. These discussions have resulted in both the expansion and the deepening of security. In addition to national security, political, economic, social and ecological issues have started to be evaluated. Together with this expanded understanding of security, other factors such as individuals, nations, minorities, and the environment have become the object of security. Thus, only sovereignty and territorial integrity ceased to be at risk; It was emphasized that values such as national unity, identity, equality, sustainability and quality of life are also important. This variation in both the object of security and the values to be protected affected answers of IR theories to the question “How will security be provided?”. In line with this information, in this study, the security approaches of international relations theories were examined. In addition to the traditional security approach, security concepts of liberal, Marxist, social constructionism, poststructuralist, critical, feminist, English School, Copenhagen School were researched. As a result of the study, unlike the emphasis on traditional security approach to increase the power and capacity in terms of providing security, it has been determined that other international relations approaches highlight factors such as cooperation, trade, identity and mutual building processes.

Keywords

International Relations, International Security, Security Approaches, Realism, Liberalism, Copenhagen School, English School.