Security as a political concept.

This article explores the concept of security from a political perspective, arguing that it is often seen as a basic right and fundamental requirement of a legitimate state. The author discusses the expansion of the definition of security to include vulnerabilities beyond physical safety, such as poverty, but raises concerns about the lack of oversight in this expansion. The text also examines different perspectives on security, including the proposals of Jeremy Waldron and Jessica Wolfendale to include elements like the maintenance of a way of life and moral recognition. However, the author argues that these proposals are not successful in justifying why these elements should be considered essential to security. The article also discusses the relationship between coercion, autonomy, and the justification of the state, emphasizing the role of the state in ensuring autonomy. It explores different dimensions of security, including objective and subjective security, and concludes that security should protect the necessary preconditions for autonomy. The text proposes modifications to the traditional understanding of security, suggesting that it should focus not only on physical safety but also on the absence of external coercion that limits individual choices. It also explores the idea that security can be linked to recognition and self-worth, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation and the establishment of laws against aggression. The article concludes by discussing the implications of these ideas for national security policies and the potential benefits of preventative approaches that require international cooperation. It also highlights the need for collaborative efforts and an internationalist approach to security to protect the autonomy of states and their populations. The paper acknowledges that security can factor into [Extracted from the article]