(Editorial) – Burma is a national security state. The lens of national security colours virtually every decision of government. Naypyitaw’s prioritization of national security and defence, however, is not in and of itself an irresponsible stance. Governments from Washington to London to New Delhi also prioritize national security, which is a fundamental responsibility of the state.
Rather, Burma’s leaders differentiate themselves in both the extent by which national security dominates the gamut of state policy and in the degree by which the military component dominates the spectrum of national security.
The armed forces are but a single, albeit necessary, component in the jigsaw of national security. The defence and unity of the state is also served by attention to human security, as the state is ultimately comprised of individual actors. Meeting this need, the subject of human security encompasses such diverse subjects as environmental protection, employment, nutritional intake and health services.
Is the unity and security of the state best served by an economically deprived population lacking a means to make a living? By a people unable to maximize personal health, constantly threatened by the spread of infectious diseases? Or by an environment polluted and shorn of its natural wealth? The answer is ‘no’.
Provision of human security, granted, is a massive undertaking. As such, it is critical to involve participants beyond the notion of traditional purveyors of national security. Flexibility is essential. When appropriate, individuals and entities at international, regional and local levels should be brought on board.
The United Nations Development Program found Burma’s Human Development Index for 2010 to rank 135th out of 172 countries. The showing is an improvement of one place over Burma’s previous ranking but still mires the country under the classification of ‘low development’–– outpacing numerous African countries but failing to rival regional peers with the exception of Bangladesh.
As such, there is a clearly identifiable gap in Burma’s national security matrix. Fortunately, it is a gap that can be closed under the guidance of responsible leadership and partnership.
Successful implementation of programmes aimed at improving human security, it follows, will then permit the military component of national security to focus on matters of defence common to all citizens.
