ABSTRACT

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.

 

chapter |6 pages

Introduction

part I|134 pages

Concepts

chapter 1|30 pages

Rationale and political usage

chapter 4|25 pages

Human security and human development

Shadow or threshold?

chapter 5|18 pages

Debating dignity

Human security and human rights

part |103 pages

Implications

chapter 6|23 pages

Underdevelopment and conflict

A vicious cycle?

chapter 9|27 pages

Externalities of human security

The role of international aid

chapter 10|9 pages

Concluding thoughts

Whither human security?