Looking at the Indian scenario, what type of security has been given priority in India, traditional or non-traditional? What examples could you cite to substantiate the argument?
India has faced both traditional (military) and non-traditional threats to its security, emerging from within as well as outside its borders. Its security strategy has four broad components, which have been used in a varying combination from time to time. This indicates that India has not given exclusive priority to one type of security over the other.
Traditional security focuses on military threats and treats the state as the primary referent, protecting its territory and governing institutions from external aggression.
Non-traditional security goes beyond military threats to include a wide range of dangers affecting human existence. It expands the referent from just the state to include individuals, communities, or all of humankind. This approach is also called human security or global security.
The fact that India's strategy uses four broad components in varying combinations suggests that the priority between traditional and non-traditional security shifts depending on circumstances and the nature of threats faced at different times.
However, the specific examples and detailed components of India's security strategy are not elaborated in the provided context, so specific illustrations cannot be cited from the given material.
Explanation
The question asks about India's security priorities, but the provided context only gives a brief overview. It states India faces both traditional and non-traditional threats and has four strategy components used in 'varying combination.' The context explains the difference between traditional security (state-centric, military focus) and non-traditional security (human-centric, broader threats). However, it doesn't specify which has been prioritized or provide concrete examples of India's security actions. A complete answer would require additional textbook content about India's four security strategy components: strengthening military capabilities, international cooperation, economic development, and democratic governance.
Solution Steps
Step 1: Identify what the context states about India's security threats - both traditional and non-traditional from internal and external sources
Step 2: Note that India's strategy has four components used in varying combinations
Step 3: Explain traditional security (state-centric, military threats) from context
Step 4: Explain non-traditional security (human-centric, broader threats) from context
Step 5: Conclude that varying combinations suggest balanced approach, but acknowledge lack of specific examples in provided context