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1. Ecological threats to security and state resilience in Afghanistan

Author:
Markus Gauster
Publication Date:
03-2021
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Security and Defence Quarterly
Institution:
War Studies University
Abstract:
This work explores ecological and climate-related threats to Afghanistan and discusses support approaches from a European Crisis Management (ECM) perspective. It goes beyond the much-debated troop withdrawal, COVID-19 crisis and peace negotiations and opens an underestimated topic: ‘Climate Change Assistance’. The article aims to advance knowledge on the effects of climate change on human security in Afghanistan and advocates a conflict-sensitive approach. To this end, a climate-related assessment of the human security situation was undertaken and several threat scenarios, options and solutions for enhancing state resilience were developed. The bases for this research were several field trips undertaken by the author since 2004, workshops and an extensive literature review. As a result, it can be stated that the negative impacts of climate change and pollution on Afghanistan’s security and development architecture are massive and make ECM efforts very complex. However, several capacity-building initiatives for military, diplomatic, humanitarian and local stakeholders were identified. On the regional level, this includes the support for early warning systems and hydro-diplomacy with Pakistan, Iran and India. On the local level, the support for community water management and environmental protection matters, while building upon traditional Afghan mechanisms for handling water crises or disasters. Another outcome is the need for more in-depth research in this field as some findings are also useful for other fragile states. The paper argues that there is an urgent need for ECM to respond to the devastating effects of climate change in Afghanistan and identifies several smart opportunities to tackle some root causes of the conflict.
Topic:
Climate Change, Water, Crisis Management, Human Security, and Resilience
Political Geography:
Afghanistan and South Asia

2. Contemporary Ecological Paradigms and Emerging Challenges of Water Security Nexus for Pakistan

Author:
Asma Siddique
Publication Date:
07-2021
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Journal of Political Studies
Institution:
Department of Political Science, University of the Punjab
Abstract:
Water Securitization is key hindrance to socio-economic and human development for a water-based economy. The trajectory relations among states, hydrological vulnerabilities, multi-faced water meagerness with crucial water sharing challenges are prompting geo-strategic and geo-political arduousness in South Asia. The chief intension of research is to elaborate the eminence of extreme water belligerences related with traditional state security concerns predominantly in case of Pakistan and India which are co-basin rival states of Indus Rivers System. Pakistan being single basin and lower riparian is profoundly reliant on Indus Basin (a lifeline for the country) due to its agrarian economy. The ever-increasing gap between demand and supply is instigating water scarceness, possessing numerous domestic aspects, political and climatic factors, Indian hydro-hegemonic intensions, etc. The ideology of water securitization along with national security is toxic in body politics, ensuing hydrological security complexes, security dilemmas and sufferer anxiety syndrome for Pakistan, elaborated by Securitization Theory paradigms. The research is based on descriptive and deductive reasoning approaches, mixed research methodology and utilization of secondary data resources. There is a dire need of dynamic responses, establishment of operative institutions, mutual cooperation at all levels, with de-securitization of riparian and hydrological security discourses can be valued, if not then it could intensify the human, national and hydro-security challenges for concerning states.
Topic:
Water, Human Security, Ecology, Securitization, and Rivers
Political Geography:
Pakistan and South Asia

3. Gendered Discourse on Human Security: Women’s contribution towards Peace Building in South Asia

Author:
Ayra Indrias Patras
Publication Date:
12-2019
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Journal of Political Studies
Institution:
Department of Political Science, University of the Punjab
Abstract:
The UN Nairobi Forward Looking Strategy defined peace as not only the absence of war, violence and hostilities; it means the enjoyment of economic welfare, social justice, human rights and fundamental freedom within the society (United Nations, 1986). South Asia is plagued with conflicts and contradictions in its political, social and economic spheres and falls short of employing democratic ways by engaging different stakeholders of the society to cultivate peace. History is evident to the fact that women have been placed at the margins and excluded from the peace building initiatives; however, women still find spaces either within or outside religious and state institutions and pursue peace actively. Women Peace Activists and Peace Organizations employ creative ways to get their voices heard and contribute towards positive measures in the peace building processes both in inter or intra States discords and disputes. Employing 5 in-depth interviews of Women Peace Activists and analyzing the academic literature, the paper deliberates and discusses the human security discourse from a gendered perspective and bring into light the contribution of women peace builders in South Asia and their strategies used for upholding democratic values in order to make peace a lived experience and reality.
Topic:
Gender Issues, Women, Peace, and Human Security
Political Geography:
South Asia

4. Counterinsurgency and Human Security: A Critical analysis of the US Counterinsurgency strategy in Afghanistan and Iraq, 2001-2014

Author:
Aamer Raza
Publication Date:
12-2018
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Review of Human Rights
Institution:
Society of Social Science Academics (SSSA)
Abstract:
In this article I take up the counterinsurgency policy and practice of the US armed forces in Afghanistan and Iraq. By focusing on the Counterinsurgency Manual 2006, I highlight how the US counterinsurgency policy did not fully incorporate the concept of human security. Accordingly, the counterinsurgency operations that were carried out in the wake of the War on Terrorism failed to ensure human security to the vulnerable segments of the populations in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Topic:
Counterinsurgency, Conflict, War on Terror, and Human Security
Political Geography:
Afghanistan, Iraq, South Asia, Middle East, and United States of America