The term “International Security” might be new in its usage and meaning but it covers some important historical aspects and living conditions of humans. International Security plays an important role in connecting to the Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems. The term international security has expanded in its scope over the years as it includes interconnected issues that are threatening the survival. It has taken new forms in the 21st century as the threats are no longer emerging from the states.

Instead, criminal gangs, terrorism, epidemics, AIDS, over-population, poverty, economic mismanagement, irrigation, destruction of nature, refugee influx, failed states and many others are threatening the individual lives. Individuals face the threat to their physical and economic survival. To a state, the vital threat is to its sovereignty and for the region coherence and stability are the key factors. International security measures are taken including diplomatic agreements like conventions and treaties and military actions. State actors and their military have been the main focus of the traditional approaches to international security. Different theoretical approaches have viewed international security from different dimensions. Effective organizations like the European Union (EU), the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and the Organization of African Unity (OAU) are working to safeguard the regions from the potential threats.