Economic integration as a factor of state security

Abstract

In its initial stage economic integration has economic interest as the primary objective, whereas security is not emphasized. Nevertheless, in achieving economic interest, business risk is taken into account because it is decreased in a stable political environment and the existence of a high level of security, which allows economic entities to achieve the desired positive effects and a synergistic effect in achieving the objective of integration. Therefore, security should be seen as a common interest of all entities involved in the integration process, and the economic security of states as one of the key elements on which global security rests. Within the economic integration, there is a close connection and interdependence among the member states, and due to the openness of the borders, there is an intensive movement of people, goods, capital and information. Due to the expressed interdependence, the threat to security in any part of the member states will cause consequences throughout the whole integration area. Therefore, in order to protect their own interests, personal, economic and all other types of security, when it comes to the development of integration the member states tend to regulate joint action on security in the area of integration, which significantly affects stability in the region.

Keywords

• economic integration
• security
• trade
• regional cooperation
• globalization