The Concept and Use of Human Security: A Critical Analysis of its Potentialities and Risks

Abstract

Bearing in mind the existence of different approaches to human security (the broad one and the restricted one), this article analyses the scope of this new paradigm based on a study of its contributions and potentialities, as well as the risks entailed in applying it. Among the positive contributions, it must be highlighted that: it focuses on the person as the subject of security, and not on the State; it is linked to human development and human rights; and it underscores the need for public policies and so-called ‘humanitarianinterventions’. On the other hand, the risks have grown following 9/11, with the paradigm being used more in its security dimension and less in its development-related aspect.

Keywords

• Human security
• theory
• development
• international relations