Conceptualizing the Energy-Military Security Connection: Implications for Pakistan

Abstract

Security is a prime concern of every nation state. But, the concept of security is quite complex as it is difficult to determine its nature. The concept is debated as the security from whom? From states, groups, individuals, non-state actors or nature itself? A holistic concept of security, incorporates an infinite variety of securities: ranging from human security, non-military security and military security, non-traditional security, gender security, economic security, environmental security, food security, and of course, energy security, which is the main focus of this paper. Though, there is no agreed definition of energy security available in the literature, a somewhat acceptable definition of energy security is that ‘its availability must be uninterrupted, in abundance and affordable.’ An ideal energy security posture is a country’s self-sufficiency in it. In spite of this ideal posture, it is argued that no country in the world can ensure its energy security without exercising its military security. Military force has always been used in the world to ensure uninterrupted, sufficient and affordable access of energy by the energy importers and also by the energy exporters to secure their sovereignty and protect their energy assets against any perceived threat. That is why there is a very close connection between the two concepts. Pakistan is struggling to meet its energy needs and also forced to employ its security forces to ensure the security of its energy installations, gas pipelines and the CPEC ventures, including a number of energy projects under its umbrella.