International Studies Group 4

In this module, we talked about modern day security, more specifically, security of the state.  It was established that security is no longer in the hands of the sovereign alone.  Non state actors, now, have more say in the sovereign’s capacity to use coercion as a means to protect its authority.

One of the most underrated non state actors, that does not get as much attention as it should, is the observer/individual.  They are the real game changers when it comes to undermining the sovereign’s capacity for coercion.  Now that information can be spread at such incredible speeds, observers from across the globe can weigh in on decisions. 

A historical example would be Ghandi’s movement in India.  The British made themselves look bad on television broadcast across the globe by attacking unarmed people (physical coercion).  Technology made it possible for a mass public shaming and the government was forced to stop its actions.  The sovereign was without the capacity to coerce the native people of India.

Social media has further increased transparency.  Sites like Wikileaks and individuals like Snowden are further proof that the common people are becoming more actively involved in state business.

Even though observers have the power to interfere with capacity and, at times, the authority of the sovereign coercive power is still controlled mainly by the sovereign.  However, as technology evolves, that position of power becomes more tenuous.