Page 67 - 100 Reflections that Crafted Geneva International_V-Petrovsky_private special edition

Bringing the Concept to Life

the latter is treated not only in global, but more often in regional terms. There
is a new phenomenon of "neighbourhood security" which now preoccupies the
policy-makers. Thus, in the contemporary international environment, it is
necessary to speak about common security, which preserves the interests of a
single State whilst providing for its safety through global and regional security
arrangements.

5. Although military and political considerations continue to be of
importance, security today is no longer limited to this one aspect. In 1989, as a
result of lengthy debate, the UN unanimously adopted the new concept of
security: "security in all aspects". In other words, security is interpreted today as
being comprehensive in nature. In addition to conflict prevention and
disarmament, it includes protection of human rights, promotion of economic
and social development and preservation of the environment. It is within the
context of common security in all aspects that the answers to national security
should be found.

6. Furthermore, it is important to clearly differentiate between two closely
related terms: security and peace. It is noteworthy that in the UN Charter these
words are always used together. For example, the main purpose of the World
Organization is "to maintain international peace and security". It seems that the
major reason for the coupling of these two terms was that, at the time the
Charter was drafted, the term "security" was not well-enough defined. In my
opinion, security is the notion of a higher order than peace. Security means not
just the absence of war, but elimination of violence from relations between
States. In this connection, I would use the term "positive peace" which means
not only refraining from the violence, but also harmonizing national and global
security interests and cooperation between States in different fields.

7. The prerequisite of common security in all aspects is its system of
guarantees. The creation of such a system is, perhaps, the major problem now
facing the international community. Taking into consideration the unstable
and transitional nature of contemporary international politics, this system will
inevitably have a rather complicated structure with its elements being closely
associated and correlated with each other.

8. From the point of view of their role in the maintenance of international
security, such arrangements could be divided into direct and indirect guaran-
tees. Direct guarantees are the measures to eliminate the threat of violence,
prevent or peacefully settle international disputes, regulate armaments and

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