Globalisation, Competitiveness and Human Security: Challenges for Development Policy and Institutional Change

Abstract

This contribution discusses the consequences for human security of the interlinked processes of globalisation and competitiveness among nations. It begins by defining and examining each of the three concepts in turn. It queries whether the internationalisation of the global economy today, widely described as globalisation, represents a fundamentally new process. It goes on to consider the costs and benefits of globalisation and competitiveness in terms of human security. It concludes that, while the impacts are uneven, with winners and losers from both processes, there are particular risks for the least-developed countries that still find it difficult to open up their economies to global competitive forces and for already-marginalised groups within industrialised countries. The contribution also discusses some implications for research, development policy and institutional change.