Abstract

Security was only recognized as a basic social value in the 20th century; since then, however, it has become one of the most frequently mentioned. However, the present-day focus is on problems of insecurity and new risks in modern societies. The term is very complex and affects phenomena of personal, social, and societal-political situations. Personal security, protection from violence, is largely realized in affluent, Western societies (not so in many countries of the Global South). Nevertheless, there seems to be a widespread feeling of insecurity, addressed as the “security paradox”. The concept of security gained the greatest significance in its social dimension (securing individual life chances and future prospects, social redistribution), which was implemented in the modern welfare state. This state has three origins: the idea of social security in the Anglo-Saxon area, the German concept of status-related protection and the Scandinavian concept of a comprehensive-egalitarian welfare state. Behind the welfare state there are, however, also solid material interests of professional associations, the new classes provided for by the welfare state, and welfare state administrations and politicians. The third dimension of the concept of security concerns, on the one hand, internal security, where it is about new forms of crime and terrorism. They are also related to political upheavals (rise of the new right). On the other hand, external, national security is relevant here, which continues to play a major role. It is shown that other interests and actions often hide in the name of national security. The arguments used to legitimize military actions by major powers and their alliances (such as NATO) are particularly discussed.