Human security vs power politics: the debate about international security
Human security vs power politics: The debate about international security
International relations has traditionally focussed on how states search for security. But for the last 20 years human security has been seen as more important. This dilemma looks at whether the two can be reconciled, or whether the state might well be the source of much human insecurity. The dilemma is that Realism is seen as the most accurate account of international relations: it dates back to Thucydides and the Peloponnesian Wars (fourth century BC). But perhaps Realism is itself not a neutral theory explaining the world – it could be just one reading of international politics, reflecting the interests of the dominant states. As such, perhaps, by privileging powerful states, it simply does not ‘see’ the security issues of the bulk of the world’s population. The challenge therefore is whether human security or Realism best explains the security issues facing the world.
Lead academic: Professor Sir Steve Smith
Anchor academic: Dr Kledja Mulaj
Taster session
Date: 31 October
Time: 11:00 - 12:00
Location: Forum Auditorium
Description: This session will be dedicated to familiarising students with one of the most contentious debates in the International Relations (IR) of the present era, namely whether state security and human security can be reconciled. The discussion will dwell on correlations between human security (as contemplated by proponents in the past two decades or so) and international security as traditionally understood, and how this controversial discourse plays itself in world politics. This dilemma provides an excellent setting for engaging anew in an inter-paradigm debate and, in particular, critically re-evaluating the privileged position assigned to Realism in IR.
The session will be led by Professor Sir Steve Smith, Vice Chancellor at the University of Exeter and Professor Yuen Fong Khong of Nuffield College, University of Oxford. After outlining the crust of the contemporary debate about international security Professors Smith and Khong will engage in a questions / answers session with the audience.
Sign up: If you miss this session you can view it on ELE.
If you wish to pick this dilemma sign up through My Career Zone from 5th November.
Professor Sir Steve Smith
Professor Sir Steve Smith is a globally renowned Professor of International Relations. An author of 15 books and over 100 academic papers – all highly acclaimed – he has made a huge impact on the evolution of the discipline as well as inspired thousands of students and academics. He has held prestigious professional posts including President of the International Studies Association in the USA, and President of Universities UK. A leading figure in the academia he is a Board member of the Russell Group of Universities and a number of other influential higher education bodies. In the past ten years he has also served as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Exeter.
Professor Yuen Foong Khong
Professor Yuen Foong Khong is Professor of International Relations at Nuffield College, University of Oxford. He was formerly Director and Professor at the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies, Singapore; and Assistant/Associate Professor in Harvard University’s Government Department. He has also served as Vice President of the International Studies Association in the USA. He is author of many influential publications including: Power in Transition: The Peaceful Change of International Order (2001), and Human Security and the UN: a Critical History (2006).
Inquiry Groups
If you sign up for this dilemma you will have the opportunity to work in an inquiry group focusing on one of these areas (please note these are still under discussion so may change).
- The role of the media in international security modern warfare
- Nuclear wars
- Poverty and security
- Migration and security
- Religious conflict
- Are human rights western human rights?
- Regional wars and humanitarian intervention (with particular reference to the Balkans)
- Arab upheavals and human security
- Re-setting the UK National Security Strategy
- Gulf Security between East and West
