Jervis developed a theory to assist in determining the security dilemma
Security dilemma refers to a situation whereby interventions adopted by a state to enhance its security for instance, through alliances and improvement of military strength results into other countries to respond with similar actions, which in turn contribute to conflicts and tensions even when such a situation is undesirable by all sides. Jervis developed a theory to assist in determining the security dilemma and its associated intensity. The four dynamics described by Jervis include:
- A situation whereby the offensive and defensive practices cannot be distinguished, but the advantage is on the offensive side. In such a scenario, the intensity of the security dilemma is very high. As a result, states conduct themselves in an aggressive way, and the probability of an arms race arises.
- A scenario whereby offensive and defensive practices cannot be distinguished, but the advantage lies on the defensive side. In this situation, the dilemma is intense, but as high as the first scenario. As a result, a state might improve its security without posing a threat to other countries or putting their security in danger.
- A scenario whereby offensive and defensive practices can be distinguished the advantage is on the offensive side. In such a situation, the dilemma is not intense. However, security problems are present. The setting is safe, but offensive practices have an advantage that might contribute to aggressive habits in future.
- A scenario whereby offensive and defensive practices can be distinguished, and defense has the upper hand. In this scenario, there is no intensity in the security dilemma, and the setting is safe.
The strategies that can be adopted to escape security dilemmas include:
- Enhanced Cooperation and communication between States
Security dilemma can be avoided when the governments of states agree to refrain from taking part in military improvement. Through cooperation, the states will have the same security levels and save the money that would have been used on weapons. Besides, countries benefit by utilizing the saved funds on other areas of development. Cooperation and communication between countries can be achieved by improving gains from mutual collaboration and reducing the benefits from defection. Also, when the chances of being exploited are low, countries see no need for adopting defensive interventions that would reduce their neighbors’ security. Cooperation prevents security dilemma by promoting defensive-offensive balance hence creating a situation whereby no states’ offense has an extra advantage over others.
- Integration of all States’ Militaries into a common Defense Agency
Countries can avoid security dilemma by joining their militaries into one organization such as global NATO. Besides, all countries should adhere to joint decisions. Also, the common organization would create a situation whereby all countries will have an equal say in the decisions made. Creation of a joint defense agency would prevent security dilemma by promoting the status quo among countries and decreasing the probability of arms race. However, creation of a common defense agency should be a long term solution since some nations such as Russia and China perceive that the joint military organization would be a threat to them and thus refuse to join.
- Establishment of a World Government
Creation of a world government might assist in preventing security dilemma. A world government would enhance the communication of intelligence among countries. Besides, having a world government would eliminate anarchy the root cause of the security dilemma. The world government would also be able to regulate the interventions of all countries, for instance, through nuclear disarmament, thus eliminating security dilemma. Also, no country would be able to engage in any military actions without the world government being informed; hence it will prevent not knowing the intents of other states. Moreover, the world government would promote sharing of resources, technology and ideas among states resulting in a peaceful environment. However, this strategy is had to implement since numerous states are unwilling to be under the world government. Besides, some countries lack trust in other states hence reducing the possibility of creating a world government. This strategy might be achieved if it is a long-term plan.