Introduction. Towards a pluralistic security system

Extract

‘In the post-cold war period, new threats and risks have emerged, while some of the 'old' ones continue to exist. The risk of an outbreak of global nuclear war has diminished, but the danger of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction has increased. The serious threat at present is the loss of control of developments by the great powers, the multilateral security organizations and the states on whose territories conflicts have broken out. The international system, based on the principles of interaction of sovereign states, is eroding. . . . The new security system will express the political philosophy of a pluralistic community rather than a specific model or set of abstract assumptions. The comprehensive nature of such a system should reflect three fundamental objectives of peace: security; social and economic welfare; and respect for human rights, justice and organization of society based on the rule of law.’