Collective self-defense and collective security both aim to maintain international order, but differ in their approaches. Collective self-defense involves states committing to defend any member that is attacked, based on a formal treaty. It reflects realist theories of states ensuring survival through their own strength and alliances. Collective security involves all states cooperating to provide security against any state that challenges the existing order through force. It is based more on idealist theories of the possibility of peaceful international cooperation. The key differences are that collective security has a broader and less defined scope than self-defense and does not require an actual attack to trigger action.

1. Ethiopian Civil Service University
School Of Diplomacy and International Relations
International Law and International Organization
(MA program)
Individual Assignment 1: Explain the similarities and differences between collective self
defense and collective security
Submitted to:Mohammud A.(PhD)
Prepared and Submitted by:Yohannes Gebeyehu
April 2013,
Addis Ababa

2. In identifying the similarities and differences between collective self­defense and collective
security,this piece of writing will zero in on definition,theoretical back up and the issue per`se.
Collective defense (also collective defense) is an arrangement, usually formalized by a treaty and an
organization, among participant states that commit support in defense of a member state if it is attacked
by another state outside the organization(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collective_security).
Collective security can be understood as a security arrangement in which all states cooperate
collectively to provide security for all by the actions of all against any states within the groups which
might challenge the existing order by using force. This contrasts with self­help strategies of engaging in
war for purely immediate national interest(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collective_security ).
One for all and all for one is the watch word of collective security(1985:452); to borrow Hans
J.Morgenthau's expresion.
The two concepts seem to have their differences and similarities in the theoretical foundation on which
they are reckon with ;realism and idealism in their order. Before I move to give you a bit detail of
differences and similarities on the two subjects per` se ,I would like to throw ashed of light on to the
issues under consideration in light of the theoretical frame work just cited.
Collective self defense reflects the idea of an international order based on the struggle of states that
can ensure survival only by their own strength (Max Plank Instiut, n.d);strength they have gotten
individually and collectively. That collective strength can be referred to as collective self defense . That
coming together of states for collective self defense emanates from their strong belief that the
international order is anarchic and the solution is strengthening security through collective self defense.
All that going to prove the fact that collective self defense resonates to the realist theoretical frame
work at the epicenter of which is a strong belief in power ,obsess in issues of security ,balance of
power and collective self­defense .
collective security expresses a belief in the possibility of a peaceful international order and the
capability of institutions to bring this order about(Max Plank Instiut,n.d) . Like those who believe in
collective self defense ,collective security­est also do believe in the anarchic nature of the world order.
They prescribe collective security as a solution to the modus operandi and to the anarchic nature of the
international realm. That all going to give us light to see the resonance of the fact attributed to
collective security with the the idealist theoretical frame work.
I am now sure that you see the differences and similarities of the issues in the lens of international
relations theoretical frame work . To sum up ,both of them emanates from the strong belief that the

3. international order is anarchic while they beg to differ each other on the solution to the anarchy.
Let me be a little bit detail about the issues per`se , I will begin with similarities and proceed with
differences on the issues under investigation. Here they are !,as have been taken from the address
indicated , the points of similarities and differences of the issues under investigation as they appear
from ( http:// www.cms.gcg11.org/attachments/.../ COLLECTIVE%20SECURITY.p ... , n.d)
The similarities between the two can be portrayed as follows:
 Both of them are concerned with the preponderance of power as a danger for peace in their
respective spheres
 There is similarities in methods for both inclined to the use of force and in fact war as a final
verdict to wrong doing
 To join war is the duty of the state
 Equal perception of peace
 Faith in military engagement and cooperation to end aggression
What about the difference between the two instruments of international order ,here you are !
 The scope of collective security is wider than that of collective self­defense
 In collective security threat to security is not known where as in collective defense it is known
 Advance planning is not done in collective security where as it is done in collective self­defense
 Collective security arise from cooperation while collective self defense arise from competitive
spirit(mutual fear)
 Collective security has a loose organization while collective self defense is founded on strong
organization
 collective security is preconditioned by the authorization of the United Nations Security
Council Resolution where as collective self defense is preconditioned on an actual or
interceptive armed attack
This piece is now confident enough that it has provided with a small spark of light in reference to the
similarities and differences between collective self­defense and collective security. Hope ,that piece has
just provided with a piece of definition,theory and the very issue, to repeat my self ,upon which the
answer to the question grounded. I wish I could write more ,had time,instruction and space allowed.

4. Reference
COLLECTIVESECURITY.[On line].Available from:
http://www.cms.gcg11.org/attachments/.../COLLECTIVE
%20SECURITY.p ....[Acessed 12
April 2013]
Collective security (2013) Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia .[On line].Available
from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collective_security. [Accessed
17April 2013]
Max­Planck­Institut.(n.d) Summary: Self­ Defence and Collective
Security ­Max­PlanckInstitut. [Online].Available
from: http://www.mpil.de/shared/data/pdf/beitr151.pdf/ [Accessed 15 April
2013].