Safeguarding National Security through Neo Realistic Approach

Abstract

The concept of National Security is an inevitable factor in every country which aims protecting and securing the survival of state. In that context neo realism can be used to identify international (Macro) and Local (Micro) security challenges especially in multi ethnic countries. Neo Realism is usually associated the writings of Kenneth Waltz, who states that power is a key concept in realist theories. It holds the idea that the nature of state is defined by anarchy and distribution of capabilities. Especially an island like Sri Lanka which situated in a strategic location lives in a world of anarchy where states seek to maximise their power relative to other nations for their own survival. Even though we have achieved peace in 2009 still there is a challenge to survive in regional scenario due to multiple threats. Security of a state is about its own survival and when a new security issue emerged, it would justify the use of extraordinary measures to handle them. Therefore it is important to analyse these security challenges through the perspective of neo realism and formulate security policies depending on cooperation and coalitions. This type of method demonstrated the Barry Buzan?s concept of securitization which is a tool of identifying and analysing the challenges of security threats. The research problem of the study is to examine how domestic and external factors influence for National Security in Sri Lanka. The paper will offers a brief description of the strategic concerns of Sri Lanka which provides a base for the subsequent discussion. It is expected to elaborate research findings at the conclusion. Data will be collected from secondary sources such as books, articles, journals and websites. In the light of contemporary understanding of security this research will focus on importance of addressing national security in Sri Lanka.