“Security is taken to be about the pursuit of freedom from threat and the ability of states and societies to maintain their independent identity and their functional integrity against forces of change, which they see as hostile.'' -Barry Buzan

Traditional/ hard approach to security-

These deal with conventional issues, which mostly involve violence or destruction, that pose a threat to a nation. These include aggression or war by other nations, insurgency, civil wars, etc.  .National security therefore places a premium on military power, reflecting the assumption that the more militarily powerful a state is, the more secure it is likely to be.Accumulation of more powers by one state  even for defensive purposes  creates fear and insecurity among the other,what is popularly known as 'security dilemma'.

Changing approach?

1.The end of cold war  saw rise of ethnic clashes ,communal riots in the states .For example,crisis in Bosnia,Chezhslovakia etc.These intrastate conflicts create fear and threat ,which  is coined as 'insecurity dilemma'.Talking of Indian situation, former National Security Advisor Shiv Shankar Menon believes that the real threats to India are "internal" and emanate from communal and social violence, not from outside forces such as Pakistan or China

2.The rise of non state actors like terrorists,left wing extremists etc  further broaden the periphery of  security challenges.These non state actors are involved in an assyemtric warfare with the state.

3.Human security-

The different 'waves of democracy' all over the world popularised the 'welfare state' model.Thus,'human security' has become the new buzzword.It is the most encompassing form of security.It stands on following pillars:

(a)Human survival (Freedom from fear)-It includes personal security,community security,political security,national security and public security.

(b)Human development (Freedom from want)-It includes economic security,food security,health security and educational security .

(c)Human dignity (Freedom from shame)-It includes cultural rights,human rights,equality and justice for all,democratic participation and decent work.

(d)Human sustainability (Freedom from vulnerability)-It includes environmental sustainability,social sustainability,good governance and community resilience