DOCSLIB.ORG

The Challenges of Human Security in Sub- Saharan Africa: the Way Forward Akpan, Nse Etim, Phd1; Edeki, John Enesi, Phd2; Nwokah, Imere Lordmizer3

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The Challenges of Human Security in Sub- Saharan Africa: the Way Forward Akpan, Nse Etim, Phd1; Edeki, John Enesi, Phd2; Nwokah, Imere Lordmizer3 International Journal of English Literature and Social Sciences (IJELS) Vol-3, Issue-6, Nov - Dec, 2018 https://dx.doi.org/10.22161/ijels.3.6.35 ISSN: 2456-7620 The Challenges of Human Security in Sub- Saharan Africa: The Way Forward Akpan, Nse Etim, PhD1; Edeki, John Enesi, PhD2; Nwokah, Imere Lordmizer3 1Department of Political Science, 1Federal University Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria E-mail: [email protected] 2Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria, Mabushi, Abuja, FCT. E:mail: [email protected] 3Department of Political Science, Federal University Wukari, Wukari, Taraba State Email; [email protected] Abstract— The increased interaction of societies on a African actors involved in conflict resolution and global dimension evidently provides for the overall need prevention has considerably increased as has their for human security especially in the African continent effectiveness, in particular in the framework of sub- where the number of conflicts is still overwhelming. This regional initiative. However, one of the major issues is to paper examined the challenges of human security in Sub- explore the ways and means of enhancing that Saharan Africa with a view to suggesting the way effectiveness at both regional and sub-regional levels. forward. Anchored on a qualitative method and with Indeed, lessons can be drawn from past and ongoing reliance on secondary sources of data, it argued that processes of negotiation and mediation with a view to there is need to better understand the nature of the reinforcing conflict prevention mechanisms, including rapidly evolving large-scale challenges that can have a discussions on the nature and purpose of an African major impact on individuals and populations. The paper peace-keeping force. further observed that it is imperative to strengthen the Human security is concerned with safeguarding mobilization of wide range of actors involved in policy and expanding the vital freedom of peoples. It requires formulation that affects the unfolding dangers of human both shielding people from acute threats and empowering security in order to curtail them. It recommended the people to take charge of their own lives with integrated promotion of human capacity building in African states, policies that focus on people’s survival, livelihood and assistance to states in the region to tackle HIV/AIDs and dignity, during downturns as well as prosperity (Ogata, other contagious diseases, promoting the active 2002). In addition to the persistent problems and participation of communities and representatives of civil vulnerabilities with which the world has long been society in the planning and implementation of familiar, there is a new wave of dramatic crises at the turn development programs among others and concluded that of the millennium related to terrorist attacks, ethnic though the challenges of human security in the continent violence, and epidemic of diverse forms including the are overwhelming, a proper implementation of these dreaded Ebola virus as well as sudden economic measures could ensure security for the vulnerable downturns. There is also the fear that existing institutions populations in the region. and policies are not able to cope with weakening Keywords— Challenges, Human Security, Sub-Saharan multilateralism, falling respect for human rights, eroding Africa, Civil Society, Conflicts. commitments to eradicate poverty and deprivation, outdated sectarian perspectives in education systems and I. INTRODUCTION the tendency to neglect global responsibilities in an In Africa, the number of conflicts is still increasingly interrelated world. overwhelming as are the consequences for civilian However, in Africa today, democratic principles population. In his address to the 37th summit of the and practices are deepening and gaining wider support. Organization of African Unity (OAU) now Africa Union There has also been a massive increase in the role of civil (AU) in Lusaka, Zambia in July 2001, the then Secretary- society and community based organizations (CBOs) while General of the United Nations, late Kofi Annan, warned the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) represent a that that “we are confronted with persistent conflicts and major initiative aimed at removing deprivations on which crises of governance and security that threaten to derail efforts to improve human security can be built. But aside our hopes for an African Union of peace and prosperity from this, the main challenge is to link prevention to the (Annan, 2001). It is equally clear that the number of promotion of human security, on the basis of the common www.ijels.com Page | 1190 International Journal of English Literature and Social Sciences (IJELS) Vol-3, Issue-6, Nov - Dec, 2018 https://dx.doi.org/10.22161/ijels.3.6.35 ISSN: 2456-7620 priorities already identified and on the widely shared Organization for Economic Cooperation and concern for meeting the needs of the most vulnerable Development (OECD) and Development Assistance populations. Committee (DAC) unfolds, there are antecedents of the Thus, this paper attempts to answer four (4) basic concept of human security to be found in African questions: How can we ensure that major dimensions of philosophies and discourse, for example the thoughts of human security will be taken into account in regional, Nkrumah and Senghor in West Africa, which argue for sub-regional and international policies as the continent the primacy of basic human needs (Hutchful and Fayemi, moves from the resolution of conflicts to the building of 2004). By and large, there is consensus across Africa that democratic and stable societies that respect all of human security should be people centered which translates first rights? To what extent has Africa adequately identified all and foremost to people’s safety. This much was the priorities that require long-term action, or is the acknowledged by the OAU 1991 Kampala document, continent limiting itself to dealing only with the most “Towards a Conference on Security, Stability, urgent matters? Which capacities should be built in order Development and Cooperation in Africa. to move Africa forward in the promotion of human The document rightly observed that security security particularly through education and training? embraces all aspects of the society including economic, What strategies could aid the mobilization of the most political and social dimensions of individual, family, vulnerable populations, which must emerge as community, local and national life. The security of a stakeholders in the democratic process through nation must be constructed in terms of the security of the participation and dialogue? It is imperative that African individual citizen to live in peace with access to basic leaders must understand that the growing uneasiness and necessities of life while fully participating in the affairs of frustration of the African populace is a result of his or her society in freedom and enjoying all leadership failure which often times results in armed fundamental human rights (OAU, 1991). Additionally, in violence. 2001, the DAC Conflict, Peace and Development Cooperation Network CPDC) defined security as II. REVIEW OF SOME RELATED increasingly being viewed as an all-encompassing LITERATURE condition in which people and communities live in The “Human Security” approach contends that freedom, peace and safety, participate fully in the threats and challenges to security transcend national governance of their countries, enjoy the protection of defence, law and order to encompass all political, fundamental rights, have access to resources and basic economic and social issues that guarantee a life free from necessities of life, and inhabit an environment which is risk and fear. The focus of security has therefore shifted not detrimental to their health and wellbeing. In this case, from the state to the security of persons which however is both the security of people and the security of the state are not mutually exclusive. Security can be thought of as a mutually reinforcing (OECD, 2001). “public good”, responding to the strategic need to support Governance issues are central to human security sustainable human development at the same time as in so far as a wide range of state and non-state institutions promoting national, regional and global peace and play a role, or have a role to play, in protecting people at security. Under colonial rule, African states and their different levels. Security can be seriously undermined security establishments were organized and administered where these security institutions are poorly managed and according to European models. These formal models coordinated, or are not responsive to the needs of the largely remained in place following independence, though population. Equally, the Commission on Human security in many cases more informal administrative and security (CHS) final report “Human Security Now” views human structures developed parallel to the official ones. In the security as protecting vital freedoms. It means protecting 1960s, the OAU confined state sovereignty within borders people from critical and pervasive threats and situations, as defined under colonial rule thus, making most attempts building on their strengths and aspirations, creating to develop new and innovative security paradigms systems that give people the building blocks of survival, specifically relevant to African contexts a relatively dignity and livelihood. Human security connects different recent event (Henk, 2008). types
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Globalization, Human Security and Some Intervening Concerns
    European Scientific Journal August 2014 /SPECIAL/ edition ISSN: 1857 – 7881 (Print) e - ISSN 1857- 7431 GLOBALIZATION, HUMAN SECURITY AND SOME INTERVENING CONCERNS Olufemi Oludimu PhD Social Sciences Department (Economics Unit), Crawford University, Igbesa, Ogun State, Nigeria Abstract Traditionally the concept of “security” has been couched in neo-realist terms, relating to protecting the territorial integrity and political sovereignty of nations. This continues to be a legitimate concern for scholars and policy-makers alike, but at the current state of human development it is clear that an alternative or even complimentary conception of “security” needs to assume critical importance. A conceptualization of security that is centered primarily on the individual or community can be understood as human security. This notion grows from the assumption that there are needs, problems, and issues that are common to all of mankind no matter what part of the world they live in, for example, poverty; the spread of communicable diseases; environmental degradation; the loss of faith in institutions; population pressures; and economic crisis. It is imperative that we view these concerns in terms of global trends and forces that affect the individual. The question then is ; how can we ensure human security? This can be achieved not through force of arms, but through policies that lead to the empowerment of people and an attack on the sources of intervening concerns and contemporary problems as such poverty,migration and income inequality challenges. These issues form the kernel of the present paper. In concluding, the paper proffers suggestions by way of some reversal policies that can mitigate some of the challenges identified so as to ensure improved human security on the global plane.
    [Show full text]
  • Women's Empowerment in the Context of Human Security: a Discussion Paper by Beth Woroniuk
    WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT IN THE CONTEXT OF HUMAN SECURITY 7-8 December 1999, ESCAP, Bangkok, Thailand UN ACC Inter-Agency Committee OECD/DAC Working Party On Women and Gender Equality on Gender Equality Office of the Special Adviser on Gender Issues and Advancement of Women Department of Economic and Social Affairs {PAGE } TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Foreword 2. Final Communiqué 3. Executive Summary 4. Introductory statements Adrianus Mooy, Under-Secretary General, Executive Secretary, Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific Angela E.V. King, Chairperson, ACC Inter-agency Committee on Women and Gender Equality Diana Rivington, Chairperson, OECD/DAC Working Party on Gender Equality, Director, Gender Equality Division Policy Branch, Canadian International Development Agency 5. Women’s Empowerment in the Context of Human Security Discussion paper prepared by Ms. Beth Woroniuck 6. Commentary, Ms. Shanti Dairiam, IWRAW, Asia and the Pacific 7. ANNEXES a. Annex I Programme of Work b. Annex II Framework forWorking Group Sessions c. Annex III List of Participants {PAGE } FOREWORD In the ten months since the joint InterAgency Committee on Women and Gender Equality- OECD/DAC Working Party on Women and Gender Equality Workshop on “Women’s Empowerment in the Context of Human Security” was convened, there have been several crucial developments which have expanded our understanding of the concept of human security. On 8 March 2000, International Women’s Day, the United Nations Security Council issued a Statement recognizing that peace is inextricably linked with equality between women and men. The Statement also affirmed that the equal access and full participation of women in power structures and their full involvement in all efforts for the prevention and resolution of conflicts are essential for the maintenance and promotion of peace and security.
    [Show full text]
  • Human Security and Public Health
    Editorial I am pleased to present this special issue of the Pan American Journal of Public Human security Health/Revista Panamericana de Salud Pública, dedicated to the topic of human and public health security within the context of public health. Human security and its relation- ship with health, social determinants, the Millennium Development Goals, and human rights are inseparable concepts that need to be understood in greater Mirta Roses Periago1 depth by public health researchers and practitioners as well as policymakers at all levels of government. Human security is an emerging paradigm for understanding global vulnerabilities that has evolved over the past two decades from being a tradi- tional notion of national security with heavy investments in military prepared- ness and response to focusing more on the dimensions that sustain the security of people through investing in human and community development. Today, the human security paradigm maintains that a people-centered view of security is vitally essential for national, regional, and global stability. The concept’s dimensions were first presented in the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Human Development Report 1994 (1)—considered a milestone publication in the field of human security—which put forth the criti- cal proposal that ensuring “freedom from want” and “freedom from fear” for all persons is the best path to tackle the problem of global insecurity. The UNDP devoted a chapter of the report to the need to shift the paradigm from state-centered security to people-centered security; from nuclear security to human security. The chapter on the new dimensions of human security states: The concept of security has for too long been interpreted nar- rowly as security of territory from external aggression, or as protection of national interests in foreign policy, or as global security from the threat of a nuclear holocaust.
    [Show full text]
  • Disability, Poverty and Food Sovereignty: Advancing the Human Security Agenda Vanmala Hiranandani, Ph.D
    Disability, Poverty and Food Sovereignty: Advancing the Human Security Agenda Vanmala Hiranandani, Ph.D. Dalhousie University, Canada Abstract: This essay furthers the human security discourse using the lenses of disability and food studies. The human security agenda must embrace the principle of food sovereignty that counteracts neo-liberal notions on food security. Since poverty, food insecurity, and disability are manifestations of similar development processes, horizontal alliances are imperative for systemic change. Key Words: human security, food sovereignty, poverty Introduction Food is one of the vital elements of human existence. Food consumption is the single most important determinant of good health (WHO, 1998). It is pivotal to human security, which has been defined as: “Protect[ing] the vital core of all human lives in ways that enhance human freedoms and human fulfillment. Human security…means protecting people from critical and pervasive threats and situations…It means creating political, social, environmental, economic, military and cultural systems that together give people the building blocks of survival, livelihood and dignity” (Commission on Human Security, 2003, p. 4). Human security is thus broadly understood as freedom from fear and want, and as protecting and empowering the world’s most vulnerable people – it encompasses safety from chronic threats, such as hunger, disease and political repression, and protection from sudden and hurtful disruptions, such as war and violence. Attaining food security is viewed as crucial for ensuring safety from both chronic threats and sudden disruptions (Stoett, 2000; Yoshikawa, 2007). However, several decades of research and efforts to achieve food security have been unsuccessful in finding sustainable solutions to hunger around the globe.
    [Show full text]
  • Human Security: Implications for Public Health
    © PAHO-WHO KMC/IB-GC July 20, 2012 - H & H S Human Security: Implications for Public Health Technical Reference Document Sustainable Development and Environmental Health Area (SDE) PAN AMERICAN HEALTH ORGANIZATION Pan American Sanitary Bureau, Regional Office for the Americas of the WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION 525 Twenty-third Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20037 2012 Also published in Spanish (2012) as: Seguridad humana: implicaciones para la salud pública. Documento técnico de referencia ISBN: 978-92-75-31692-4 PAHO HQ Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Pan American Health Organization Human security: Implications for public health Washington, D.C.: PAHO © 2012 ISBN: 978-92-75-11692-0 I. Title 1. CIVIL PROTECTION 2. SAFETY 3. SAFETY MANAGEMENT 4. DISASTER MANAGEMENT 5. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 6. HUMAN RIGHTS 7. PUBLIC HEALTH NLM WA 250 The Pan American Health Organization welcomes requests for permission to reproduce or translate its publications, in part or in full. Applications and inquiries should be addressed to Editorial Services, Area of Knowledge Management and Communications (KMC), Pan American Health Organization, Washington, D.C., U.S.A. The Area of Sustainable Development and Environmental Health (SDE) will be glad to provide the latest information on any changes made to the text, plans for new editions, and reprints and translations already available. © Pan American Health Organization, 2012. All rights reserved. Publications of the Pan American Health Organization enjoy copyright protection in accordance with the provisions of Protocol 2 of the Universal Copyright Convention. All rights are reserved. The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Secretariat of the Pan American Health Organization concerning the status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.
    [Show full text]
  • Sustainable Solutions for Human Security and Anti-Corruption: Integrating Theories and Practices Marco Tavanti University of San Francisco, [email protected]
    The University of San Francisco USF Scholarship: a digital repository @ Gleeson Library | Geschke Center Public and Nonprofit Administration School of Management 2013 Sustainable Solutions for Human Security and Anti-Corruption: Integrating Theories and Practices Marco Tavanti University of San Francisco, [email protected] A Stachowicz-Stanusch Follow this and additional works at: http://repository.usfca.edu/pna Part of the Business Law, Public Responsibility, and Ethics Commons Recommended Citation Tavanti, M. & Stachowicz-Stanusch, A. Sustainable Solutions for Human Security and Anti-Corruption: Integrating Theories and Practices. International Journal of Sustainable Human Security (IJSHS), Vol. 1 (December) 2013: 1-17. This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the School of Management at USF Scholarship: a digital repository @ Gleeson Library | Geschke Center. It has been accepted for inclusion in Public and Nonprofit Administration by an authorized administrator of USF Scholarship: a digital repository @ Gleeson Library | Geschke Center. For more information, please contact [email protected]. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SUSTAINABLE HUMAN SECURITY 1 Sustainable Solutions for Human Security and Anti-Corruption: Integrating Theories and Practices Marco Tavanti Agata Stachowicz-Stanusch Abstract: Corruption is a real issue affecting the understanding and practices promoting human security. This article introduces the frameworks of sustainable human security in relation to anti- corruption. Human security is explored in its historical evolution and the more recent expansion of its frameworks, including the sustainability and systemic elements. The notion of sustainable human security is examined in relation to corruption and anti-corruption, as expressed in the current challenges and opportunities on sustainable development and human international development.
    [Show full text]
  • New Threats to Human Security in the Era of Globalization*
    Journal of Human Development Vol. 4, No. 2, July 2003 New Threats to Human Security in the Era of Globalization* SAKIKO FUKUDA-PARR Sakiko Fukuda-Parr is Director, Human Development Report Office, United Nations Development Programme Abstract This paper makes a case for analysing the new insecurities introduced or worsened by globalization from a human security perspective. The author examines the ways in which globalization is changing the word — economically, politically, and in terms of information and communications technology — and then reviews the new insecurities that require policy attention. The paper specifically tackles the issues of global crime, trafficking in humans, instability in financial markets, threats to job security, the spread of disease and internal conflicts. Key words: Globalization, Human Security, Human Development, Poverty, Inequality, Human Rights, Crime, Human Trafficking, Conflict, Crisis Introduction The last decade of the twentieth century has been a historic period of rapid and dramatic changes in the world. Many of these changes are part of the process of ‘globalization’. This paper argues that the concept of human security can offer a useful perspective for assessing policy priorities to make globalization better for people, adding value to existing perspectives such as poverty, inequality, human rights and conflict resolution and prevention. The human security concept differs from these other perspectives by focusing more sharply on the ‘downside risks’ that can threaten the well- being of all people, both affluent and poor. Furthermore, it focuses on the well-being and dignity of people rather than on the protection of national borders. It also offers a more complete set of criteria for assessing the impact of globalization on human well-being, encompassing as it does socio- economic aspects and personal safety from the consequences of violent conflicts.
    [Show full text]
  • Human Security and the Sdgs
    Human Security and Agenda 2030 O T E C T I O P R N PEOPLE CENTRED PREVENTION SDGs COMPREHENSIVE ORIENTED CONTEXT SPECIFIC E T M P N O W E R M E Echoing human security principles, the 2030 Agenda emphasizes a “world free of poverty, hunger, disease and want … free of fear and violence … with equitable and universal access to quality education, health care and social protection … to safe drinking water and sanitation … where food is sufficient, safe, affordable and nutritious … where habitats are safe, resilient and sustainable … and where there is universal access to affordable, reliable and sustainable energy”. It calls for development strategies that result in more resilient societies where people are safe from chronic threats such as abject poverty, hunger, disease, violence and repression, and protected from sudden and hurtful disruptions in their daily lives. Based on a wealth of experiences in over 90 countries, the application of human security can significantly enhance actions taken by the global community, Member States, civil society and United Nations entities to fully realize the transformative promise of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Setting priorities, Linking peace and achieving integration sustainable development Human security is grounded in the fundamental recognition Progress on the Millennium Development Goals proved slowest of the differing capacities, needs and circumstances of in fragile and conflict-affected countries. Where violence is people, civil society and Governments. It seeks to establish rife, and trust in people and institutions is lacking, development participatory solutions that protect and empower all people. that fails to address the structural and behavioural causes By being comprehensive and by drawing together all the of violence often falls short of preventing a relapse into actors necessary to respond to a challenge, the application crisis.
    [Show full text]
  • Health, Resilience, and Human Security: Moving Toward Health for All
    HEALTH, RESILIENCE, AND HUMAN SECURITY: MOVING TOWARD HEALTH FOR ALL Marcelo Korc, Susan Hubbard, Tomoko Suzuki, and Masamine Jimba Copyright © 2016 Japan Center for International Exchange and Pan American Health Organization All rights reserved. Printed in the United States. ISBN:978-4-88907-147-4 Copyediting by Kimberly Gould Ashizawa. Cover design and typesetting by Patrick Ishiyama. Cover photographs by kovgabor / Shutterstock.com, Franco Volpato / Shutterstock.com, and Nguyen Anh Tuan / Shutterstock.com. Publication is available on the JCIE/USA website (www.jcie.org) and the PAHO website (www.paho.org). Requests for permission to reproduce or translate this publication should be addressed to JCIE/USA, 135 West 29th Street, Suite 303, New York, NY 10001 USA, or to the Communication Department (CMU), Pan American Health Organization, Washington, DC, USA (www.paho.org/publications/copyright-forms). The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Japan Center for International Exchange and/or the Pan American Health Organization concern- ing the legal status of any country, territory, city, or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The mention of specific companies or of certain manufacturers’ products does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by the Japan Center for International Exchange and/or the Pan American Health Organization in preference to others of a similar nature that are not mentioned. Errors and omissions excepted, the names of proprietary products are distin- guished by initial capital letters.
    [Show full text]
  • Human Security Handbook
    HUMAN SECURITY HANDBOOK An integrated approach for the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals and the priority areas of the international community and the United Nations system Human Security Unit · United Nations · January 2016 1 CONTENTS Acronyms . 3 Introduction . 4 The Human Security Approach and Its Added Value . 5 Towards a Stronger Response by the United Nations System . 11 Application of the Human Security Approach to Programmes and National Plans . 17 Annex 1 - Designing a Human Security Programme: A Case Study from Kenya . 30 Annex 2 - Examples of Programmes Funded by the United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security . 40 2 ACRONYMS FAO Food and Agriculture Organization ILO International Labour Organization MDGs Millennium Development Goals NGO Non-governmental organization SDGs Sustainable Development Goals UNESCO United Nations Economic, Scientific and Cultural Organization UNDP United Nations Development Programme UNFPA United Nations Population Fund UN Habitat United Nations Human Settlements Programme UNHCR United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees UNICEF United Nations Children’s Fund UNIDO United Industrial Development Organization UNTFHS United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security UNV United Nations Volunteers UN Women United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women WHO World Health Organization 3 INTRODUCTION Prepared as a guide for practitioners and policymakers who plan to integrate the human security approach into their work, this handbook provides an overview of the principles that embody the approach and its added value. It introduces a step-by-step analytical process for the design and im- plementation of human security initiatives, and provides guidance for assessing the added value of the approach.
    [Show full text]
  • The Globalization of Insecurity: How the International Economic Order Undermines Human and National Security on a World Scale
    HAOL, Núm. 5 (Otoño, 2004), 113-126 ISSN 1696-2060 THE GLOBALIZATION OF INSECURITY: HOW THE INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC ORDER UNDERMINES HUMAN AND NATIONAL SECURITY ON A WORLD SCALE Nafeez Mosaddeq Ahmed Institute for Policy Research & Development, United Kingdom. E-mail: [email protected] Recibido: 15 Julio 2004 / Revisado: 13 Agosto 2004 / Aceptado: 15 Septiembre 2004 / Publicado: 15 Octubre 2004 Resumen: National and human security has throughout the world, largely in the South. The been fundamentally undermined by policies impact of globalization has also significantly promoted by the key institutions of exacerbated the emergence of conflicts largely globalization. Adopting a state-centred in the South, which directly undermines national conceptualization of security demonstrates how and individual security. globalization at once weakens and fragments the state, while militarizing both the state and sub- In the first chapter, I begin by outlining a state actors, contributing systematically to the theoretical framework for examining the impact emergence of intra- and inter-state conflicts. A of globalization on security at multiple of levels human-centred framework, however, focusing of analysis. I discuss two distinct but on the impact of globalization on individuals overlapping conceptualizations of security: and communities, shows that this process is firstly, economic security as a function of further linked to the generation of structural human security (at the level of individuals); and violence across national boundaries. Both these secondly, economic security as a function of national -and human- level processes are national security (at the level of the state). mutually interdependent and impact on one Thirdly, I put forward a description of another reciprocally.
    [Show full text]
  • Global Governance, Development and Human Security: Exploring the Links
    Third World Quarterly, Vol 22, No 2, pp 159–1 75, 2001 Global governance, development and human security: exploring the links CAROLINE THOMAS ABSTRACT This article draws attention to the convergence of the global development and security agendas at the beginning of the new millennium. It explores the links between global governance, development and human security. It argues that material sufficiency lies at the core of human security. Hence, the problems of poverty and deepening inequality are central concerns, and the unfolding of these problems in the 1980s and 1990s is highlighted. During the closing decades of the 20th century, a neoliberal vision dominated the global development policy agenda, while these problems of inequality deepened. The policy was developed, championed and implemented by a range of global gover- nance institutions, working through state governments. The idea and the institu- tions of global governance are examined critically, with a view to establishing in whose interest global governance and its associated development policies may be operating, and whether this is in support of human security. Setting the scene Poverty is the ultimate systemic threat facing humanity. The widening gaps between rich and poor nations … are …potentially socially explosive … If the poor are left hopeless, poverty will undermine societies through confrontation, violence and civil disorder. (Michel Camdessus, Managing Director of the IMF, 2000b) In a world awash with resources, wealth and technology, global poverty is certainly not the product of bad luck. (Peter Wilkin, 2000) Pervasive poverty and deepening inequality are distinctive features of the contemporary global social landscape. Powerful global governance institutions are awakening to these fault lines as potential threats to the global order.
    [Show full text]