The Human Security Paradigm: Peace with Justice and Equality?

Abstract

This chapter explores the possibilities of achieving global justice and peace. The author contends that the hopes for peace and the so-called ‘peace dividend’ following the end of the Cold War had the potential for nations to consider bold new attempts to define national and global security in a uni-polar world. The author also discusses a more sobering view that crafting a new approach to a changing world requires deliberate and concerted efforts. The chapter advances the notion of ‘human security’ that is advanced through: (1) protection—primarily the state-based responsibility to protect people from critical and pervasive threats, with institutions, civil society and nongovernmental actors, and the private sector also playing a key role in that protection and (2) empowering individuals and communities by developing their capabilities to make informed choices and to act on their own behalf. The author believes that at the core human security policies seek to enhance both individual and societal security by promoting “freedom from want” and “freedom from fear.” Keywords: justice; global justice; global security; war; peace; equality; human security; globalization