Human Security

This thoroughly revised second edition of a popular text explores the theory and application of concepts central to human security, the protection of individuals from harm. Through an examination of the critical questions and priorities, it grounds students in the conceptual roots as well as applications and challenges both in war and peacetime.

Human security refers in its broadest sense to the protection of individuals from harm. Human Security: Theory and Action explores the theory and application of concepts central to this notion of security. It examines the conceptual roots of human security, connecting its origins to its applications and challenges in war and peacetime. With a unique focus on the evolving notion of responsibility for security, the text introduces the critical questions and priorities that underpin policies and actions.

The text is organized around four sections. The introduction offers an overview of human security and its basic tenets and historical foundations. The second section focuses on human security in armed conflict and post-conflict reconstruction, discussing such issues as the doctrine of Responsibility to Protect, racial inequality, peacekeeping and peace negotiation processes, and humanitarian assistance. The third section identifies the long-term issues that are necessary for a durable human security, including human rights, food security, poverty, gender equality, health security, and environmental sustainability. The final section applies the concepts introduced in the book to twenty-first century concerns and offers insights on turning theory into action.

Integrated into the text are many case studies to broaden the student’s awareness beyond the conflicts and issues that dominate the media. By balancing theoretical explanations with concrete illustrative cases, both historical and contemporary, the text provides intellectually challenging and intrinsically interesting material and offers a unique, comprehensive introduction human security in war and peace.

The second edition of Human Security: Theory and Action examines the conceptual roots of human security, connecting its origins to its application in a time of conflict, inequality, environmental stress, and the aftermath of a global pandemic.

Section I: Introduction to Human Security

1. Human Security—A New Security?

2. Historical Foundations of Human Security

3. Human Security Actors

4. Human Rights and Human Security

Section II: Armed Conflict and Human Security

5. From Non-Intervention to the Responsibility to Protect

6. Human Security in Peace Processes

7. Human Security and Peacebuilding

Section III: Durable Human Security

8. Durable Human Security: Breaking the Cycle of Insecurity

9. Health Security as Human Security

10. Gender Inequality and Security

11. Climate Change and Environmental Security

12. Food Security

Section IV: Conclusions

13. Human Security: An Essential Approach to Twenty-First Century Security Problems

Glossary