Between Utopia and Practice: Conceptualization of Human Security in International Relations

Abstract

The conception of human security has become one of the most crucial components of security studies in the Post Cold War period. Shifting the focus of security studies from the state to the individual, the concept symbolizes an on-going departure from the realist security conception. Even though its theoretical underpinnings can be traced back to the Enlightenment, the concept appeared in the security studies literature during the mid 90s. The proponents of the human security conception faced criticism for being utopist, non-scientific and non-policy oriented. However the developments in international politics and their devastating effects on human lives revealed the links between the theoretical and practical realms of the human security conception. This article aims to explore the development and ingredients of the concept of human security, as well as its applicability in daily politics and its relevance for some theoretical issues of the discipline of International Relations.

Keywords

Human Security, Security Studies, Canada, Japan, United Nations

Citation

Ovalı, A. Şevket, “Between Utopia and Practice: Conceptualization of Human Security in International Relations”, International Relations, Volume 3, Issue 10 (Summer 2006), pp. 3-52.

Affiliations

• A. Şevket Ovalı, Assistant Professor, Dokuz Eylul University, Department of International Relations