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. According to Inis Claude's article "Collective Security as an Approach to Peace" collective security is seen as a compromise between the concept of world government and a nation-state based balance of power system, where the latter is seen as destructive or not a good enough safeguard for peace, and the first is deemed unaccomplishable at the present time. And while collective security is possible, several prerequisites have to be met for it to work.

History

Early mentions

Bahá'u'lláh (1817-1892), the founder of the Bahá'í Faith, prescribed collective security as a means to establish world peace in his writings during the 19th century:

The time must come when the imperative necessity for the holding of a vast, an all-embracing assemblage of men will be universally realized. The rulers and kings of the earth must needs attend it, and, participating in its deliberations, must consider such ways and means as will lay the foundations of the world's Great Peace amongst men. Such a peace demandeth that the Great Powers should resolve, for the sake of the tranquillity of the peoples of the earth, to be fully reconciled among themselves. Should any king take up arms against another, all should unitedly arise and prevent him. If this be done, the nations of the world will no longer require any armaments, except for the purpose of preserving the security of their realms and of maintaining internal order within their territories. This will ensure the peace and composure of every people, government and nation.

• North Atlantic Treaty Organisation@ (39)

See also:

• Society: Government: Multilateral (1,284)

• United Nations Peacekeeping
  un.org
  News and information about the Department of Peacekeeping Operations, current and past operations, facts and figures, political missions, the department and the Peacebuilding Commission.
• European Gendarmerie Force (EGF)
  eurogendfor.org
  Official site of the initiative of 5 EU Member States - France, Italy, The Netherlands, Portugal and Spain – aimed at improving crisis management capability in sensitive areas.
• Multinational Force of Observers (MFO)
  mfo.org
  Independent international peacekeeping organization established by the Arab Republic of Egypt and the State of Israel to monitor the security arrangements of their 1979 Treaty of Peace. With mission statement, articles, and procurement opportunities.