SETTING UP OVERSEAS MILITARY BASES IN LINE WITH INTERNATIONAL SECURITY

Abstract

The practice of establishing military installations and facilities in foreign countries dates back to the 20th century after the two World Wars as nations sought to exercise influence and domination over others. From a realist point of view, bases have been set up in different countries for some reasons with the most notable being the need to align national and political interests in both the host and the military-providing nation. These bases are of strategic importance and developments seen in various countries attest to this fact. Some countries needed to exercise authority over others, especially after colonization while others needed the help granted to them in the form of security, weaponry, and economic growth. The host countries in return provide good working environments for the installations. Nations should embrace the need to create useful alliances especially in this era of emerging terror attacks and security threats across the world. The terror issue is a global problem. Not even superpowers are being spared with the highest incidences occurring in their countries. Terror networks are growing, and every possibility of an alliance to help curb this menace should be highly welcomed. A strong front against the formation of these terror networks is required. Therefore, most countries across the globe converge on the importance of establishment of overseas military bases in enhancing security and power distribution. Thus, this research seeks to explore the realists perspective on how the establishment of overseas military bases help to improve international security and streamline distribution of power.

Keywords

• Realism
• overseas military bases
• international security
• power distribution