DYNAMICS OF INTERNATIONAL SECURITY IN THE 21ST CENTURY

In the early stages of human organizational development, the concept of international security had not yet been established because societies still lived in small groups that relied on internal solidarity for survival. Security was understood as protection against direct threats such as attacks by other groups, competition for resources, and environmental changes that could disrupt community stability. Protection mechanisms were implemented through cooperation, role allocation, and the use of simple tools to address external risks. During this period, there were no
formal territorial boundaries, diplomatic regulations, or political structures that would allow for relationships between large entities. This fundamental understanding later became the foundation for the development of more complex security concepts as societies began to form larger power structures. The gradual emergence of social change ultimately led to the establishment of centralized authorities that began to expand the scope of security beyond the traditional small community level to encompass various regions and power structures (Buzan, 2020).

The development of security thinking began to undergo significant changes as societies transformed from small groups into early kingdoms with more centralized power structures. During this period, security was no longer limited to the protection of small communities, but
expanded to include the protection of territories, encompassing resources, populations, and the political legitimacy of leaders. Early kingdoms began to form more organized armies, construct fortifications, and develop defense strategies against external aggression. Simple diplomatic practices such as negotiations, peace treaties, or gift exchanges emerged as a means of managing relations between large groups. While not yet reflecting modern concepts of international security, these developments marked a significant shift from community-based security to security based on centralized authority. It was during this stage that the concepts of external threats, the balance of
power, and the need for regulation became known.