Human Security

Definition

Human security refers to the protection of individuals' fundamental freedoms and rights, emphasizing their safety from chronic threats like hunger, disease, and repression. This concept shifts the focus from traditional state-centric security to a more comprehensive view that considers the well-being of people as central to security in a globalized world. By addressing issues such as economic stability, health care access, and social justice, human security recognizes that threats are not only military but also social and economic in nature.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Human security emerged in the 1994 UN Human Development Report, which highlighted the need for a broader understanding of security beyond military threats.
2. It encompasses seven dimensions: economic security, food security, health security, environmental security, personal security, community security, and political security.
3. The concept emphasizes prevention rather than intervention, focusing on addressing root causes of insecurity such as poverty and inequality.
4. Human security acknowledges the interconnectedness of global challenges; for instance, climate change can exacerbate food insecurity and lead to conflict.
5. International organizations increasingly incorporate human security principles into their policies to create holistic responses to global challenges.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of human security differ from traditional notions of state security?
  • Human security shifts the focus from state sovereignty and military defense to the safety and well-being of individuals. While traditional state security prioritizes protecting national borders and maintaining military strength, human security emphasizes addressing root causes of insecurity such as poverty, health crises, and social injustice. This broader perspective acknowledges that threats are multidimensional and require comprehensive solutions beyond military interventions.
• In what ways does human security influence international policies related to global challenges like poverty and climate change?
  • Human security influences international policies by promoting a more holistic approach that links economic development, environmental sustainability, and social equity. For example, addressing poverty through targeted development initiatives not only improves individual well-being but also mitigates risks associated with social unrest and conflict. Similarly, integrating environmental concerns into policy frameworks ensures that measures against climate change also enhance human safety, particularly for vulnerable populations facing food insecurity.
• Evaluate the implications of adopting a human security framework for understanding contemporary global conflicts and crises.
  • Adopting a human security framework reshapes our understanding of contemporary global conflicts by highlighting how issues like inequality, health disparities, and environmental degradation contribute to instability. This perspective encourages policymakers to prioritize preventive measures rather than reactive strategies focused solely on military responses. By recognizing that many modern conflicts stem from non-traditional threats—such as resource scarcity or economic disenfranchisement—this framework fosters comprehensive solutions aimed at addressing root causes, ultimately leading to more sustainable peace.

Related terms

State Security: The traditional approach to security that prioritizes the protection of state sovereignty and territorial integrity, often through military means.

Development Security: A concept that links development policies and practices to security, emphasizing that social and economic progress can prevent conflict and promote stability.

Environmental Security: An approach that addresses threats to the environment and natural resources, recognizing that environmental degradation can lead to human insecurity and conflict.