Beyond the military might: evolving non-traditional security threat in North Africa

Non-traditional security emerged due to the convergence of the Cold War, globalisation, environmental degradation, and the war on terrorism. The global security system has switched its attention from military power as a core value to different non-traditional areas, with a significantly increased emphasis on new variables such as economy, politics, and sociological dynamics. Researchers with different perspectives on security studies have raised doubts about the claim that security can only be achieved by military means. Following the collapse of the Cold War, a notable transformation occurred in the paradigm of security and global order, wherein the conventional approach gave way to a non-traditional approach. Most studies on North African security focus on traditional threats such as military issues and terrorism. However, the non-traditional security challenges in North Africa have experienced significant changes in recent years. In addition to conventional military issues, the region has experienced many issues, such as the rise of new security challenges, including drug trafficking, illegal immigration movements, smuggling, the Arab Spring, and the consequences of the global 'War on Terror' launched after the events of 9/11. Most studies on the security of the North African region focus on traditional threats such as military issues and terrorism activities. However, this paper examines the scope and dimensions of a broadened North African regional non-traditional security. It focuses on four specific issues: illegal immigration movement, water scarcity, drug trafficking and smuggling. While not all of these challenges may directly impact North African nations, they are significant in at least three aspects. To begin with, they constitute an escalating menace to both domestic and global stability, as demonstrated by things like transnational organised crime, corruption, and extensive non-state criminal activity. Furthermore, to different extents, they have altered and weakened the capacity of state institutions, trade, and economic growth. Third, they may lead to regional instability and more disputes.