Some Remarks on the Theory and Practice in Human Security Studies

Abstract

The goal of the human security studies is turn theoretical insights into practical recommendations for policy-making, i.e. to articulate theoretical considerations with practical policies. In our contribution, we will examine the relation between theoretical backgrounds and their practical consequences. Immanuel Wallerstein's concept of 'time-space' realities (a further elaboration of Braudel's concept of a hierarchy of historical times) tells us that the longer time-periods a theory takes into consideration, the larger its spatial reach, and the deeper its analytical grasp. In the case of the present 'migration crisis', we will argue that, thinking on the level of Braudel's 'temps court', i.e. within the co-ordinates of Wallerstein's 'episodic geopolitical TimeSpace', one adopts the point of view of the nation-state and, e.g. installs barbed wire fence on national borders. Reflecting on the level of Braudel's 'histoire conjoncturelle', i.e. Wallerstein's 'cyclico-ideological TimeSpace', one analyses the 'migration crisis' in terms of the conflict 'the West vs. militant Islam', or of the confrontation between 'the West' and the Russian Federation over the Near East, and starts peace talks to end the war in Syria. Taking the view of Braudel's 'longue duree', i.e. Wallerstein's structural TimeSpace, one realises that the present crisis is an episode in the dynamics of the contemporary world-system. The structural perspective shows that defence of national borders will not solve the problem, nor will the negotiation with the local ruling 'elites' and between the super-powers establish an adequate platform to approach the deepening misery and exploitation of the larger part of the world's population. The former two approaches appear as pertaining to the present world-system structure, and participate in its inherent dynamics: although potentially leading to new re-articulations, they reproduce the system and eventually deepen its contradictions. However, the structural-systemic perspective does not lead towards a univocal analysis, and even less translates into a unique political strategy.