Author: Carol Messineo / Publishing Institution: The New School Graduate Program in International Affairs

Author:: Sakiko Fukuda-Parr and Carol Messineo
Publication Date:: 04-2011
Content Type:: Working Paper
Institution:: The New School Graduate Program in International Affairs
Abstract:: This paper reviews the concept of human security, its use in policy debates and the academic literature on the concept as an idea in international relations. We argue that in spite of the controversy, human security is an important concept that should not be ignored as a significant discourse in contemporary debates about the world order. It opens up new lines of analysis, gives voice to new actors. Its value added in the security field is that it focuses attention on human beings and integrates non-military mechanisms as means to security. Its value added in the development field is to focus attention on downside risks.
Topic:: International Relations, Security, Human Rights, and Human Welfare

Author:: Carol Messineo
Publication Date:: 05-2010
Content Type:: Working Paper
Institution:: The New School Graduate Program in International Affairs
Abstract:: The United States' national security objectives emphasize preventing terrorism through economic and social development in fragile states. Helping to create economic prosperity and legitimate and politically accountable institutions of governance in weak states poses many complex challenges that the international development community and US civilian aid agencies have struggled to address. New US military counterinsurgency doctrine defines “Phase Zero” non - combat development activities as a core military mission equal in importance to that of its combat missions. The US military lacks the development expertise to effectively engage fragile states, as demonstrated by its record in Iraq. The result is a narrow, instrumental understanding of the relationship between security and development that ironically undermines, rather than strengthens, a coherent and effective strategy for dealing with failed states.
Topic:: Security, Development, Terrorism, and Counterinsurgency
Political Geography:: United States

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