Changing Dynamics in the Global Environment: The Maldives Story

Abstract

This paper analyzes the paradigm shift in the national security and the impacts this global change to the Maldives, how the nation could overcome the changing dynamics. While national security has traditionally been centered on the strategies of leaders in their pursuit of national interests, modern day threat spectrum has evolved to include interstate conflicts, civil wars marked by genocide, abuses of human rights, attacks on civilian populations by terrorist organizations, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, global pandemics, and the catastrophic effects of global climate change. This century has presented distinct and extremely impactful global events: from evolving and increasing terrorist attacks to civil wars, democratization movements across the Middle East, and refugee crises. In the backdrop of this global myriad of conflicts and challenges, Maldives needs to adapt in order to face and overcome these security threats. The threats emanate from the polarization of extremism and liberalism when it comes to religion, the economy�??s overdependence on tourism, the lack of diverse industries to support the economy, and climate change. This paper looks at some of the solutions to address the said issues by addressing the concern of rising extremist ideologies through rehabilitation programmes, and planning and developing sustainable economic projects from a holistic and inclusive approach.