In this paper, the authors introduce Open Security as a contribution to the collective defense narrative. Open Security is premised on the principle of active citizenry. Active citizens are recognized as both receiver and provider of security. To successfully operate within an unstructured and fluid environment, it is necessary to break free of constraints imposed by doctrine and dogma. The Joint Civil-Military Interaction (JCMI) Research and Education Network is a voluntary group of Human Security scholars and practitioners in the United States and Europe who have one goal: exploring the borders of Human Security, stepping away from the constraints of doctrine, and recognizing that the military cannot be the only voice speaking about and judging security and defense. Open Defense is a dynamic security mind-set based on the need and responsibility of individuals to protect themselves and their local community. Efficient individual and collective resilience is a precondition for context specific security and defense. A new view of Civil Defense as security partner is needed. The webinar organized on 15 February 2023 was a result of cooperation between Joint Civil-Military Interaction, Interacta Global Network, Middle Georgia State University, Euro-Atlantic Council of Slovenia, Multi-National Joint HQ Ulm and War, Peace, and Justice Institute. It was a small, but necessary step forward that contributed to conceptualization of the concepts of open security and open defense.
Vol. 4 No. 2, 2023: Exploring the New Concept of Open Defense (Thomas Matyók, Srečko Zajc, Maj Fritz) [ENG]
Authors:
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- Thomas Matyók, Ph.D. is Executive Director of the Joint Civil-Military Interaction Network and Senior Lecturer in Conflict Analysis and Resolution at Middle Georgia State University, USA.
- Srečko Zajc, M.A. (Faculty of Art, University of Ljubljana), secretary at the Ministry of Defense, Republic of Slovenia, is a former career journalist, chief editor, manager, and Secretary General of the national Red Cross society.
- Maj Fritz, M.A. graduated at Faculty of Criminal Justice and Security, University of Maribor, Slovenia (1999) and holds a master’s degree in European Studies (2008). He has been working for the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Slovenia since 1991.
* Views and opinions of the authors of this paper do not necessarily correspond to the views of the Euro-Atlantic Council of Slovenia.