Human security as an instrument of (traditional) comprehensive security in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan

Abstract

Japan, South Korea and Taiwan inhabit an insecure world, both objectively and in terms of how threats are perceived through historically shaped beliefs. A similar conceptualisation of "comprehensive security" forms an intellectual basis for foreign policy in all three countries. In addition to maintaining armed forces, threats are met through strengthening the national economy, and attempts to influence other states and enhance national prestige. Accordingly, the human security policies of these three countries seek comprehensive security through acquiring influence and prestige. None of the three gives substantive attention to the novel, challenging aspects of human security. This is problematic, as all three have a clear interest in the success of the key premises of the human security discourse given their precarious geopolitical situations.