STUDIA NAD BEZPIECZEŃSTWEM

Nr 9 s. 161–173 2024

ISSN 2543–7321

Uniwersytet Pomorski w Słupsku

Przyjęto: 12.01.2025

Zaakceptowano: 12.01.2025

Oryginalna praca badawcza DOI: 10.34858/SNB.9.2024.010

Rafał Piotr Depczyński



e-mail: rafal.depczynski@twojestudia.pl



INTERNATIONAL AND NATIONAL SECURITY

IN POLITICAL AND MILITARY ASPECTS

BEZPIECZEŃSTWO MIĘDZYNARODOWE I NARODOWE

W ASPEKCIE POLITYCZNYM I WOJSKOWYM

Abstract: The article presents issues concerning the interrelationship of international and

national security in the most important aspects, namely political and military. Due to the

complexity of the issues the main focus is on the relationship of international security

guaranteed by international organisations, selected international treaties and lasting mil-

itary alliances to state security. In terms of national security, the impact of the presented





Zarys treści-

        -



      

          -

 

     





Rafał Piotr Depczyński

Keywords

Słowa kluczowe



The article aims to show the interrelationship of international and nation-



US foreign policy in international relations after the US election, the goal is

-

ternational security achievements, particularly those developed over the years



-

nomenon is also a purpose of the article.

Security is a dynamic, ambiguous concept and multifaceted. Taking into ac-

count the functioning of state institutions and participation in the internation-

al system, the most important aspects of security for the state are twofold:

political and military. Each country, functioning in the environment of other

states, pursues many interests and international security occupies a special

       -

nently strives to ensure and maintain an adequate level of security, thereby

guaranteeing its survival and ensuring its comprehensive development. How-

ever, these activities depend on several factors, which include military con-

siderations.

International security allows the determination of not only the external as-

pects of security of individual states, but primarily to describe the certainty

of survival and functioning of the international system. So, it is used not only

to analyse the situation of individual states, but primarily to describe the se-

curity of their collectivity, taking into account the importance of other partic-

ipants in international relations.



State security in international relations is not a static concept, but a dy-

namic one, depending on certain historical, political, military or ideological

conditions. These must be taken into account by states seeking to maintain

international security. In other words, it is a set of measures to ensure a state’s

international freedom from fear, threats and aggression. In general terms, inter-

 Bezpieczeństwo międzynarodowe po zimnej wojnie-



162

International and National Security in Political and Military Aspects

national security means the system of international relations that ensures the

common security of the states that make up the international system.





challenges and threats and ways to reduce and eliminate them, changes in the

mentality and expectations of citizens and rulers provide an opportunity to search

-

gence of new weapons, the formation of alliances or the process of globalisation.

Taking into account several such phenomena, it is possible to identify factors that

shape perceptions of security. They are crucial to actors’ understanding of inter-

national security. Among the factors presented by the literature on the subject,

a notable one is the military aspect, the importance of which was downplayed



important role today.



This is demonstrated by recent events in Ukraine or on the





here. Many security threats will require a more decisive, but precise, use of force,

taking into account the capabilities of modern armed forces.



The structure of ties between countries (economic, social and historical) implies



Ukraine. The three-year war has caused most European countries to update their

political and military doctrines and European governments have revised their

approach to security issues. Some political decisions were made at the interna-

tional level, which more-or-less resulted in subsequent decisions in individual

countries. So, we can conclude that international security is undoubtedly of great

importance to national security, and European countries have, for the most part,

reevaluated their priorities since 2022.

In an international perspective, the security of European countries has deterio-





closed. Economic interests took precedence over the common reasonably dura-





 Bezpieczeństwo międzynarodowe. Teoria i praktyka-





 Bezpieczeństwo Polski a dynamika stosunków międzynarodowych-





Rafał Piotr Depczyński



alliance. The geopolitical situation of future years may change so much that the

United States will redirect its interest to China, exposing its European allies and

exposing them to a clash with Russia. It is therefore necessary to quickly build

common European defence structures, and perhaps return to the concept of a Eu-

ropean Armed Forces.

Ensuring national security is undoubtedly linked to local security. Events re-





of this thesis. The state responds to local security challenges by activating its

capabilities at the national level. All this is intended and serves directly or indi-

rectly the security of the citizen. This is because the state performs its tasks at the



citizens. Hence, we can speak of security circles, which naturally interrelate and

form a vertical and horizontal system at the same time.

Figure 1. Security circles

Source: own study.

Every state, regardless of its size or importance in the international arena, rec-

ognises security issues in the broadest sense as a priority of its policies. After all,

one of the basic functions of a state is to strive (both internationally and domesti-

cally) to provide its citizens and entities operating on its territory with the broad-



threats can only be achieved in the framework of international cooperation, since

“no single state can face modern complex threats alone.”



 Stosunki międzynarodowe. Praca zbiorowa-



164

International and National Security in Political and Military Aspects

International security in military terms encompasses a variety of issues related

to maintaining peace and stability globally and regionally through military ac-

tion and military strategies. There are several key areas in this regard. Military



in shaping international security. Article Five of the treaty states that any armed

attack on one of the member states will be treated by the other states as an attack

on themselves, and in such a situation each member of the alliance will assist the

attacked party by taking such action as it deems necessary, including the use of

-

tional security, not least because of its shared military resources and by enabling

its members to use them. These include military bases, defence technologies and

armed forces that are interoperable, meaning they can work together in joint mil-

itary operations. Regular joint exercises and training increase combat readiness



defensive power than if countries acted alone. In addition, advanced military



improves the defence capabilities of member states.

-

ter coordination of activities and information exchange among member states.

          



stability on the international stage, acting as a foundation for common defence

and deterrence against potential threats.





and international security, respect human rights, improve living standards and

-





protect civilians, provide humanitarian aid and prevent massive human rights

-

ventions and Security Council resolutions, form the legal basis for international

security activities.



          







Rafał Piotr Depczyński

building defence and security capabilities through training, advisory and tech-

nical programs. This support contributes to enhancing the ability of states to en-

sure internal and regional security. In addition, it plays an important role in



legal norms and supporting states in developing counter-terrorism strategies.



system, promoting peace, stability and cooperation on the global stage.

Balancing armaments and disarmament initiatives are key to maintaining sta-

-

tegic Arms Reduction Treaty)



between the US and Russia, are examples of



aimed at preventing an arms race and increasing transparency and trust between



and Russia. The treaty commits each side to limit the number of deployed stra-



submarine-launched launchers to 800, of which only 700 can be deployed. The

    -



-

national security:

• reducing the number of nuclear warheads and their means of delivery reduc-

es the risk of accidental or inadvertent use of nuclear weapons and potential



• 

nuclear powers, which is crucial for strategic stability,

• reductions in nuclear arsenals by the major nuclear powers set an important

example for other countries, which can encourage them to take similar steps

and strengthen global non-proliferation regimes,

• the START treaties and similar initiatives promote the idea of global disar-

   

weapons.

These treaties are very important for international security and the mainte-

nance of global peace and stability, as the reduction of nuclear arsenals and the



 

treaties,” part of the START series, concluded between the United States and the Soviet





166

International and National Security in Political and Military Aspects

reduction of nuclear risks are key to preventing disasters with unimaginable

consequences.



-





combine conventional military operations with cyberattacks, disinformation

and other forms of irregular warfare, thereby challenging traditional security

structures.



Cyber security is becoming an increasingly important element of countries’

defence strategies. Today’s computer and Internet technologies are introduc-

ing new threats in the form of cyber attacks that can cripple critical infrastruc-



a key component of defence strategies and protecting against cyber attacks is

        



vehicles and defence systems. AI can analyse real-time data, optimise military

decisions and predict enemy movements, making military operations more ef-

       

human life.

Satellite technology is crucial for communications, navigation and Earth ob-

servation. Satellites provide vital intelligence, monitor troop movements and en-

able global communications. The increase in military use of space is also leading

to competition in this new operational domain. Advanced defence systems, such

as missile shields, are capable of detecting and neutralising threats in real time.

These systems use advanced radar, satellite and computer technology to track

and destroy incoming missiles and other threats.

Advances in biotechnology can have both positive and negative consequenc-



is also a risk of using biotechnology to create biological weapons. The impact

of modern military technologies on international security is twofold. On the one

hand, they can enhance defence and deterrence capabilities, contributing to sta-

bility and peace. On the other hand, the introduction of new technologies can



 Procedury specjalne Rady Praw Człowieka ONZ-



 Rozważania o bezpieczeństwie-



167

Rafał Piotr Depczyński

international cooperation and regulation are key to managing these technologies

in a way that promotes global security.

International security, in its military aspect, is an essential element of inter-

national relations, and its provision requires action for the peaceful settlement

of international disputes, the establishment of legal and institutional bases for

stability and cooperation. The essential function of international security is insti-

tutionalised action for peace, stability and the development of states and societies

locally, regionally and globally. This must be a coordinated collective action, as

even the most powerful powers cannot guarantee international peace and order

on their own.

In the 21st century, the quest for sustainable peace and security must con-

stantly reconcile the diverse needs, interests and objectives of an exponentially

growing number of actors in international relations. This leads, on the one hand,

-

-

tutionalised interaction between organisations, alliances and other international

structures created to address and overcome these threats.

The current phase is characterised by a variety of phenomena and factors de-

termining the state of security, many of which are unpredictable. The hither-

to international order was based on a system of balance of power based on the



to balance the power of states with opposing interests. The constant interplay of

interests, above all of the great powers, as well as the awareness of the achiev-



destabilising the international order and shaping a lasting sense of insecurity. If

the current phase of the formation of a new international order continues for an

extended period, the role of the superpowers and their activity will be increasing-

ly dependent on the support of all states participating in the creation of security.

Two phenomena in the international order that were developed in the 20th

century have become the basis for the construction of the current international



law and the settlement of disputes by peaceful means.



The second is based on

 -

ing the renunciation of war as an instrument of national policy. It was proposed in 1927

by Aristide Briand, the French Foreign Minister, as a treaty between the United States

and France, prohibiting war between the two countries. It was an attempt to integrate the



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International and National Security in Political and Military Aspects

the assumption that the strength of peaceful states would fundamentally out-

weigh the strength of a potential aggressor or aggressors who intended to violate

the principles of collective security. An example of a violation of this principle

would be Russia’s aggression against Ukraine in February 2022.

In conclusion, international security in military terms is a complex and multi-

dimensional issue that requires coordinated action on many levels. Military alli-

ances, control of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, peacekeeping



technologies and the pursuit of regional stability are key elements of strategies

to maintain peace and security in the world.

Throughout history, security has been based primarily on military power.

It has been the basis for the security of empires, kingdoms, principalities and

later nation states. The building of military power has also been subordinated



and technological progress, etc. The apogee of this phenomenon came during the

two world wars in the 20th century, followed by the bipolar system of world or-



-



Indeed, these have materialised not so much externally as internally. The like-

           -



-

tary threats, occurring mainly in the form of military aggression, to non-military

threats. The time when the very understanding of security was reduced to tradi-

tional ways of countering military threats and developing military capabilities



concept of state power, which is no longer seen primarily from a military point of



pushing the military security dimension into the background. Alongside defence,



and emerging threats and challenges.

Thus, one might get the impression that, nowadays, military power has ceased

to play an important role in states’ security policies and strategies. Despite

responded with a proposal for a multilateral pact to reject war as an instrument of policy



169

Rafał Piotr Depczyński

changes and revaluations, the priority of military security, concerning the integ-

rity and sovereignty of nation-states, remains unchanged both in strategies and

in practical political activity. It is therefore worth tracing how the issue of mil-



Security Review, which is the culmination of nearly two years of work devoted

to a systemic and integrated assessment of the state and future of international

and national security. The review leads to a presentation of how the following





-

-

provement of the defence subsystem.

It is generally accepted that military threats are characteristic of national secu-





by terrorist attacks and the ability of non-state structures to use armed violence

to achieve their own ends. In this context, the concept of military threat implies

the real possibility of armed violence.

In the traditional view, a military threat is seen as the most serious threat

to state security and is understood most generally as a potential or existing dan-

-

tional interests. There are many examples in history of the direct and indirect

use of armed violence as a tool to achieve political objectives. These include:







feature of military threats is that they are derivative of problems and threats aris-

ing or anticipated in other spheres and policy areas. Failure to resolve emerging

problems, contradictions and tensions on political, economic or social grounds

can lead to the emergence of military threats. However, this is not a necessary

condition. Instead, a necessary condition for their emergence is a political de-

cision resulting in the use of armed force (armed violence), hence such threats

are often referred to as political-military. It is also considered that the source of

military threats is not only the military potential of other states or non-state or-

ganisations and the possibility of its aggressive use, but also one’s own military

weakness provoking opponents to violence. Countering this form of violence is

the domain of defence (defensive) policy. Its essence is to maximise the chances

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International and National Security in Political and Military Aspects

of preserving the existence of the state under military threats and, further, to op-

timise the functioning of the state in all areas of its activity. Defence therefore en-

compasses the activities of the entire state, and essentially boils down to counter-



instruments, tools and means. Accordingly, defence is not just an area of activity

for the armed forces, although it is often and quite commonly perceived as such.

This is due, inter alia, to the fact that under conditions of a military threat to se-

curity, armed forces often become one of the ultimate instruments of defence

policy and armed combat its primary means. This is especially the case when the



give up the pursuit of a strategic objective, postpone it or lower the requirements

necessary to achieve it. Military security is equated with defence.

-

-

-



multinational command system, automatic action in the event of threats, combat

readiness of the air defence system, the development of the continental missile











the European security system or the US military position on the European conti-





-

taining the balance of power in the European theatre and participating (alongside



ambitions and its desire to transform Europe’s security system into a kind of





In today’s world, especially with the rise of asymmetric threats, the armed

forces are used not only to counter external threats, but also in terms of internal

       

sphere are aimed at maintaining and demonstrating the state’s comprehensive

         

171

Rafał Piotr Depczyński



Armed Forces, which are ready to perform three types of missions: guaranteeing

         -



process of stabilising the international situation, including international crisis

management activities.

The state’s defence mission also includes performing a military deterrence

function by demonstrating readiness to defend itself with forces maintained in

peacetime and readiness to mobilise them in the event of war. The legal aspects

of military security can be found in a great many regulations of international law,

e.g. the scope of authorisation to use military force, restrictions on the use of

military force or measures to restore military security (including, inter alia, the

obligation to protect non-combatants). In turn, national regulations on military

security consist of defence law and military law.

Bibliography

Procedury specjalne Rady Praw Człowieka ONZ-



  Bezpieczeństwo Polski a dynamika stosunków międzynarodowych -



Rozważania o bezpieczeństwie-



     Stosunki międzynarodowe. Praca zbiorowa,



Bezpieczeństwo międzynarodowe po zimnej wojnie-



 Bezpieczeństwo międzynarodowe. Teoria i praktyka,



Summary

In conclusion, therefore, it can be said that national security is one of the key elements

in the functioning of a state, ensuring the viability and development and the freedom

to pursue national interests. It is linked to international security. It is based on a coherent



172

International and National Security in Political and Military Aspects

is one of the pillars of international security. A state cannot and should not base the se-

curity of its citizens solely on international treaties or assurances of external assistance.

This is because the military security of a state depends on many variable economic and,

of course, political factors.

