Non-State Actors in the Global Security World

Concepts of security have expanded from the Westphalian conceptualization of national security to include both international and individual security. The world has moved from reliance on a security system based on the balance of power, to collective security, collective defence, common security, mutual security, environmental security, human security and the ‘responsibility to protect’. The evolution of these conceptualizations has facilitated and been accompanied by the increasing role of non-state actors (NSAs), both intergovernmental and non-governmental, in the security world. This chapter discusses the evolution of international security concepts, the United Nations and regional security systems and the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and coalitions in the security world.