1st Edition
A Decade of Human Security Global Governance and New Multilateralisms
Human security has been advanced as an alternative to traditional state-based conceptualizations of security, yet controversies about the use and abuse of the concept remain. Investigating innovations in the advancement of the human security agenda over the past decade, this book identifies themes and processes around which consensus for future policy action might be built. It considers the ongoing debates regarding the human security agenda, explores prospects and projects for the advancement of human security, addresses issues of human security as emerging forms of new multilateralisms and examines claims that human security is being undermined by US unilateralisms. This comprehensive volume explores the theoretical debate surrounding human security and details the implications for practical application. It will prove ideal for students of international relations, security studies and development studies.
Biography
Sandra J. MacLean is based in the Department of Political Science, at Simon Fraser University, Canada. David R. Black is Associate Professor in Political Science, Departments of Political Science and IDS at Dalhousie University, Canada. Timothy M. Shaw, Visiting Professor, University of Massachusetts, Boston, USA
'A fascinating collection which looks at the human security agenda in retrospect and prospect. Contributors highlight the theoretical and practical limitations and possibilities of a human security approach. The reader is left grappling with the huge, unresolved question of how best to mainstream compassion in global governance.' Caroline Thomas, University of Southampton, UK 'Contributions in this critical but reflective book lie at the nexus of security and development and in so doing challenge traditional state centric approaches to international relations. A Decade of Human Security encapsulates a paradigm shift that should appeal not only to academic scholars but also to practitioners and lay people who are grappling with the swift current of changes in perception of what it means to be secure in the twenty-first century. The editors and authors of this work clearly put human beings and their safety and welfare needs squarely at the centre of the global governance agenda. A must read.' W. Andy Knight, University of Alberta, Canada '...the book has much to recommend it...It introduces human security as more than an abstract notion...The focus on Canadian foreign policy is refreshing and appropriate...chapters are well written and thought provoking. The extensive bibliography points readers ot key academic analyses and policy documents...the editors successfully bridge the scholar-practitioner gap to add richness to the discussion and highlight the real-world importance of human security.' Political Studies Review 'If ever there was an opportunity for significant and, importantly, fruitful academic-policy world collaboration, now is the time. And A Decade of Human Security amply demonstrates this necessity...For both the policy and academic worlds, the volume serves up recipes for constructive engagement owing to "new multilateralisms", or coalitions of states, IOs, NGOs, and other civil society groups. In this regard the book will be of considerable vlue
