THE SECURITY CHALLENGES OF ENVIRONMENTAL MOVEMENTS

Abstract

Modern ecological movements, while being key actors in the positive global initiative for environmental protection and the fight against climate change, face challenges that can potentially undermine security and political stability. The radicalisation of certain factions within these movements, their connections with extremist groups, and the possibility of negative, subversive instrumentalisation by foreign actors pose serious threats to both the public order and the constitutional system. This paper, aiming to provide a scientific contribution to social ecology as a branch of sociology, analyses the dynamic relationship between ecological activism and national security. It explores how and under what conditions ecological movements, engaged in the protection of natural resources, might endanger political stability in democratic societies. This is achieved through the study of current techniques for identifying and preventing security threats. Special emphasis is placed on counterintelligence protection and the challenges posed by radicalised ecological activists. By analysing both international and domestic cases, the paper examines threats to the constitutional order as well as strategies for achieving the necessary balance between, on the one hand, the right to free assembly and ecological activism, and, on the other hand, the right to national security.