The concept of collective security

Collective security is a potentially broad concept, its actual operation in practice being determined by the specific institutional and procedural framework through which its implementation is attempted, as well as prevailing understandings of the nature and scope of what constitute security threats and the priorities of key international players. This chapter seeks to provide an understanding of the concept of collective security and the factors which inform its implementation. It is demonstrated that under the system established by the UN Charter, there has been a progressive movement away from statist conceptions of security threats towards more holistic, human-centred approaches, embraced simultaneously by regional organisations and most states. The workability of collective security has been the subject of much debate. A series of requirements are identified as central to its potential effectiveness in practice, although it is acknowledged that these have never been fully satisfied. It is argued that an understanding of the operation of collective security requires the adoption of both legal and political perspectives, their different underlying purposes serving to complement one another. Ultimately, although the concept of collective security is imperfect, it has important value and its pursuit remains worthwhile.