Human Security: Global Perspectives

Human Security is a child who did not die, a disease that did not spread, a job that was not cut, an ethnic tension that did not explode in violence, a dissident who was not silenced. Human Security is not a concern with weapon – it is a concern with human life and dignity…it is concerned with how people live and breathe in society, how freely they exercise their many choices, how much access they have to market and social opportunities-and whether they live in conflict or in peace.(United Nations.)Humane world where people can live in security and dignity, free from poverty and despair, is still a dream for many and should be enjoyed by all. In such a world, every individual would be guaranteed freedom from fear and freedom from want, with an equal opportunity to fully develop their human potential. Building human security is essential to achieve this goal. Human security has become both a new measure of global security and a new agenda for global action. Safety is the hallmark of freedom from fear, while well-being is the target of freedom from want. Human security and human development are thus two sides of the same coin, mutually reinforcing and leading to a conducive environment for each other. ”Human Security: Global Perspectives” is an attempt to capture the key facets of this debate on human security. The book aims to provide the reader diverse perspectives of human security and its dynamics in a world threatened by multiple forces of power. Core issues of human security in a cross-cultural context are examined with relevant policy framework.The book highlights the growing global consensus that security involves matters beyond war and national defense and non military threats, such as poverty, hunger, disease environmental hazards etc also affect people around the world irrespective of culture and society. Most of the articles in this book have been contributed by public policy professionals and senior academicians.