The Global Security Initiative contributes to global peace and development. Photo: Zhan Chensheng/CSST

On the basis of the wisdom of traditional Chinese culture, Marxist philosophy, and systematic security viewpoint in the holistic approach to national security, the objective of regarding global security as an interconnected organic system that shares common destiny and emphasizing the holistic security that is common and universal is to maximize the coverage and sustainability of the systematic security effect. 

From the perspective of systems theory, the complexity, dynamism, and openness of the global security system determines that the promotion of global security requires comprehensive coordination among various elements and aspects of both traditional and non-traditional security fields, the establishment of operational rules and cooperative relationships that are fair, just, and well-coordinated within the system, and the emphasis on the equal status of all entities within the system, to activate a collective safety initiative and to foster cooperation awareness. The ultimate aim is to form a state of common security that safeguards long-term stability, balance, and sustainability of the global system.

Holistic plan

The Global Security Initiative (GSI) introduced the groundbreaking principle of the indivisibility of human security. It embraces the concept of harmonious coexistence that seeks to address global security challenges. The GSI manifests itself as a typical holistic approach to maintaining global system security and the conceptual connotation of sharing a security system with all of humanity. It has contributed systematic solutions to promoting global security and advancing the construction of a human community of common security.

1. “Stay committed to the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security.” 2. “Stay committed to respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries.” Adhering to non-interference in internal affairs and respecting the development path and social system chosen by the people of all countries will effectively promote the openness and inclusiveness of global system security. If global security is viewed as a complex system, every member within the system will exhibit a diversified movement. 3. “Stay committed to abiding by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.” Achieving systematic security on a global scale requires the establishment of multilateral rules that genuinely align with the security interests of most countries and uphold principles of fairness and justice. 4. “Stay committed to taking the legitimate security concerns of all countries seriously.” We should strive to build a balanced, effective, and sustainable security architecture, opposing the notion of establishing domestic security based on the insecurity of other nations. It is crucial to dynamically maintain the sustainable security of the interconnected global “giant system.” More than 200 countries and regions coexist in a global village, forming an interconnected “giant system,” sharing common interests and security. 5. “Stay committed to peacefully resolving differences and disputes between countries through dialogue and consultation.” 6. “Stay committed to maintaining security in both traditional and non-traditional domains.”

Systems thinking

The systematic security viewpoint is not limited to “concept and cognition,” but emphasizes the combination of objective cognition and practical actions. It involves employing systems thinking to understand and transform the objective world.

Firstly, the security governance capabilities of all nations should be enhanced through collaborative efforts, to collectively eliminate deficits in global system security. Secondly, common security should be promoted through common development, to promote the balance and sustainability of global system security. Thirdly, it is essential to safeguard the justice and morality of global systematic security, by resolving international differences by equality-based consultation and peaceful means. Fourthly, it is imperative to strengthen systematic planning for global security, and to establish a firewall mechanism for global systematic security.

Wang Weimin is a professor from the School of Government at Shanghai University of Political Science and Law (SHUPL) and Han Xiao is a research assistant from the Institute of Global Security Governance at SHUPL.   

Edited by ZHAO YUAN