The first definition of **require** from the [Cambridge Dictionary][1] is 

> to need something or make something necessary

... and in the [Oxford Dictionary][2] 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][3] 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... <br>
> County commissioners, however, are not **required to** follow the staff's report...


  [1]: http://https:/en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/require
  [2]: https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/require
  [3]: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/require?src=search-dict-hed