Gender, identity, and human security: Can we learn anything from the case of women terrorists?

Abstract

Can the notion of human security be effective in helping us to both understand and address the phenomenon of terrorism? This article attempts to explore the phenomenon of terrorism through a security lens, particularly through the use of human and societal security. It begins with a brief discussion of the efficacy of Canadian human security policy, noting that in its present form, Canadian human security is not capable of addressing the phenomenon of terrorism outside of traditional security parameters (protect the state and civilians within). The substance of the article focuses on the theoretical debates about security and further discusses how a gender approach to security exposes the power dynamics and inequalities of the security dynamic. An alternative approach is proposed, examining security from positions of dominance and non‐dominance. To explore the relevance of this securities approach, a preliminary discussion of women terrorists is presented. The question as to whether or not human security applies to those who both suffer from, and cause, insecurity is raised. It is argued that for human security to have any efficacy with regard to the phenomenon of terrorism, the inequalities that lie behind the violent acts need to be recognized as a part of the security dynamic.