Security Services as well as Methods
Security is an essential factor in the development of any part of the world. Regions where security is threatened, there are few development initiatives. The security of a nation lies with the government of the particular state. When a security concern arises, the government reacts to protect the citizens. Security threats that may affect than one country can be regarded as a regional or global threats. These threats are often tackled by global security organizations. Some of these organizations include the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the United Nations (UN). These organizations are essential in ensuring international peace and security. The main focus of this paper is to compare the UN and NATO regarding security operations.
History of the Organizations
The NATO was formed in April 1949 as a treaty for mutual protection by the members. The North Atlantic Treaty that gave rise to the organization was signed by countries in North America and Europe (Mayer, 2014). The NATO constitution requires individual member states to assist members in case of external attacks. On the other hand, the United Nations was formed in 1945 with the aim of ensuring international cooperation (Duffy, 2015). It replaced or substituted the League of Nations, which was regarded ineffective. The general assembly, the Security Council, as well as the secretary general, are essential in fostering security or peace. The main organ of the United Nations with the mandate to promote global peace and security is the Security Council.
Leadership Structures, Jurisdictions, and Methods used by NATO and UN
Each member state of the NATO is represented in its North Atlantic Council (NAC). The NAC is the main decision-making unit of the organisation. The member states are represented to the NAC by an ambassador or a permanent representative appointed at the national level. The organization has meetings at different levels for different representatives. These levels include Ambassador, ministerial, and summit levels. To ensure organizational transparency, the NATO has an additional committee that involves delegation from different management levels (Mayer, 2014). They are elected through a democratic process that ensures the interests of all individual member states are taken into account.
The executive of the organization (NATO) is the secretary; this is an indication of the democratic type of leadership exercised by the organization (Gürbuz, 2013). The executive is elected by the member states. The election of secretary general also shows that the organization subscribes to the ideals of international democracy. The secretary general acts as the chairperson of the organization with full powers to present discussion subjects to NATO meetings. The NATO decision-making is based solely on consensus. However, in certain cases, veto powers might be applied. Additionally, the decisions may be based on national interests. The NAC also engages in extensive consultations to reach a decision.
The United Nations Security Council is the main organ of the UN with the responsibility of promoting global peace. The council has members from the individual member countries (Genser & Ugarte, 2014). The United Nations charter allows the council to form subsidiary organs for its functioning. The president of the council chairs all its meetings. The presidential post is a rotational one. The President is helped in his or her operations by designated council members. The United Nations has a participatory type of leadership that ensures all member states participate in the decision-making processes. The functions of the subsidiary organs range from solving substantive issues to procedural matters. Such issues include peacekeeping operations, counter-terrorism, as well as sanctions regime.
Balancing Security, Liberty, and Human Rights
Balancing security, liberty, as well as human rights, are one of the most difficult tasks facing the international security organizations. These concepts have often been considered as opposing terms. For most individuals, it is impossible to protect human rights as well as security simultaneously (Duffy, 2015). Protection of human rights can only be done at the expense of global security. Due to the rising threats of terrorism, the protection of liberties, and human rights has become more complicated. Both the NATO and the UN are committed to protecting human rights and international security. Several resolutions have been drafted by the United Nations to ensure human rights are not violated as countries combat terrorism (Vreeland & Dreher, 2014). The resolutions often address legislations enacted by certain countries that threaten the fundamental rights and freedoms.
NATO has been accused of violating human rights in its attempt to combat terrorism. Its ‘kill lists’ have been exposed on several occasions by human rights activists as well as organizations (Gürbuz, 2013). This has led to criticism of the organization when it comes to protecting human rights in the face of terrorism. The organization is known for targeting drug traffickers, terrorists, as well as other serious criminals. The targeting of individuals without giving them time to defend themselves violates the fundamental rights and freedoms. In contrast, the UN Security Council does not target individuals considered to be threats to international peace (Genser & Ugarte, 2014). It places sanctions on the suspected individuals as investigations are done. After initial investigations, the suspects are usually taken to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Addressing and Mitigating Effects of Security Operations and Terrorist Events
Terrorist events have several effects on the environment and human beings. Most of the devastating effects of terrorist events as well as security operations are psychosocial (Genser & Ugarte, 2014). The NATO uses certain measures to ensure the effects of terrorism are mitigated. According to the constitution of the organization, disaster mitigation is the role of the national governments. However, it can provide certain support services through its organs. The Alliance Registry is always available to support the affected nations. The United Nations through its organs usually assist the member states during and after the attacks (Vreeland & Dreher, 2014). The United Nation's HRC working with other national agencies offers psychosocial support to the affected individuals and the country as a whole.
The leadership of the organizations can be regarded as some of the best types of leadership. The two organizations employ democratic styles of leadership to ensure that every member country’s interests are addressed. The democratic style enables countries to interact freely due to the absence of restrictions on other countries. The leadership style also has a potential to ensure the countries can fully participate in combating the scourge of terrorism. It is essential for international organizations to adapt this type of leadership. Most decisions made under this style are based on international democratic ideals.
In summary, the international security organizations have certain differences in their structures and operations. These differences enable them to operate smoothly in combating terrorism. The leadership styles practised by the NATO and United Nations allow them to perform their duties. It is essential for the organizations to adopt a style that is universally accepted. During attacks as well as security operations, it is important for these international organizations to assist member countries in mitigating the effects of the operations.
References
Duffy, H. (2015). The" War on Terror" and the Framework of International Law. Cambridge: Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Genser, J., & Ugarte, B. S. (Eds.). (2014). The United Nations Security Council in the Age of Human Rights. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Gürbuz, U. (Ed.). (2013). Capacity Building in the Fight against Terrorism. Amsterdam: IOS Press.
Mayer, S. (Ed.). (2014). NATO’s Post-Cold War Politics: The Changing Provision of Security. New York: Springer.
Vreeland, J. R., & Dreher, A. (2014). The political economy of the United Nations Security Council: money and influence. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
