Human Security: Concepts and implications

This book, now available in paperback, traces the key evolutions in the development of the concept of human security, the various definitions and critiques, how it relates to other concepts, and what it implies for polities, politics, and policy. Human security is an important subject for the whole world, in particular Asia, as it deals with interactions among fields of social change, such as development, conflict resolution, human rights, and humanitarian assistance. In a globalizing world, in which threats become trans-national and states lose power, security can no longer be studied in a one-dimensional fashion. Written by authors who are experts in this field and with case studies from different regions (Afghanistan, Central Asia and South Asia) presented throughout, this book - now available in paperback - contributes to this new multidimensional conception of security, analyzes its strengths and weaknesses, and focuses on its implications for analysis and action.

Introduction Part 1: Concepts 1. Rationale and Political Usage 2. Definitions, Critiques and Counter-Critiques 3. A Paradigm Shift in Security Studies? 4. Human Security and Human Development: Shadow or Threshold? 5. Debating Dignity: Human Security and Human Rights Part II: Implications 6. Underdevelopment and Conflict: A Vicious Cycle? 7. The State and its Domestic Responsibilities 8. Intervention, Engagement and the Responsibilities of the International Community 9. Externalities of Human Security: The Role of International Aid 10. Conclusions Concluding Thoughts: Whither Human Security?