The first definition of require from the Cambridge Dictionary is

to need something or make something necessary

... and in the Oxford Dictionary it is

1. Need for a particular purpose.

Those both fit the meaning in the sentence that you quoted, and in my opinion the Merriam-Webster definition "have a compelling need for" also works.

The Oxford dictionary provides an additional meaning- the one that you allude to in your question:

1.3 with object and infinitive (of someone in authority) instruct or expect (someone) to do something.

Note that in the main meaning, the object is the thing that is needed, whereas in the object+infinitive meaning, the object is the thing or person that must do something, as specified by the to-inifinitive.

Interestingly, Merriam-Webster does not refer to the object+infinitive meaning directly, but includes two recent examples that uses this form, in passive voice:

The court is required to rule within 90 days...
County commissioners, however, are not required to follow the staff's report...

The first definition of require from the Cambridge Dictionary is

to need something or make something necessary

... and in the Oxford Dictionary it is

1. Need for a particular purpose.

Those both fit the meaning in the sentence that you quoted, and in my opinion the Merriam-Webster definition "have a compelling need for" also works.

The Oxford dictionary provides an additional meaning- the one that you allude to in your question:

1.3 with object and infinitive (of someone in authority) instruct or expect (someone) to do something.

Note that in the main meaning, the object is the thing that is needed, whereas in the object+infinitive meaning, the object is the thing or person that must do something, as specified by the to-inifinitive.

Interestingly, Merriam-Webster does not refer to the object+infinitive meaning directly, but includes two recent examples that uses this form, in passive voice:

The court is required to rule within 90 days...
County commissioners, however, are not required to follow the staff's report...