Key categories for the study of security in the political science dimension

Abstract

The article outlines the main categories for studying security issues within the framework of political science. The author examines the essence of key concepts such as security, threat, danger, and conflict, which form the foundation for building a comprehensive security architecture. In its most specific sense, security is defined as the preservation of norms, rules, institutions, and societal values. In the classification of security proposed by the author, special attention is given to the complementary nature and interconnection of different types of security. The article also explores the nature and classification of the concept of “threat”, understood as an objectively existing possibility of causing harm to an individual, society, or the state. The author notes that the most universal classification of threats is considered to be according to the nature of their influence: real, imaginary, and potential; according to the direction of influence: external and internal; according to the scale of influence: global, regional, and local; according to the spheres of influence: social, military, political, ecological, and informational; and according to the level of influence: strategic and tactical. It is clarified that “danger” refers to the objectively existing possibility of a negative impact on society, resulting in damage to national interests and state security. The importance of identifying the sources, conditions, and factors contributing to the emergence of danger is emphasized. The author highlights the close relationship between these three categories and the issue of conflict, which remains a major factor destabilizing security environments. The mutual influence of these categories on modern global political processes is underlined. The study concludes that, to describe the characteristics of the world order system and global security situations, it is most effective to apply stability theories — particularly the balance of power theory and deterrence theory. The conditions affecting the international balance of power have been outlined. Particular attention is given to cases where the deterrence of threats fails to achieve the expected outcomes. The author stresses that the prevention of conflicts and the minimization of their negative consequences should remain a top priority in maintaining global security.