Engagement of Constructivism with the Human Security Theory

Abstract

Human Security has developed as an alternative approach to Traditional concept of Security. The traditional concept is dedicated to protecting the state from external invasion and it is focused on preserving the sovereignty and security of the state. The Human Security concept critically enriches the concept of Security by adding the economic, social, environmental, health and identity related issues. Human Security securitizes these issues, i.e., it raises the value of these issues to such an extent that they ought to be treated as Security concerns. It contends that great challenges are present to security in form of crisis in these important dimensions. Constructivism is an approach that contends that Reality is neither purely subjective nor purely objective, but is inter-subjective. Reality is constructed by the interaction of different players, actors and institutions. Constructivism helps us in understanding the concept of Human Security as the latter also constructs the concept of Security in a creative fashion. Human Security is not static as new dimensions of the ever-changing world can be included within its parameters as per the requirements. The paper is an effort to understand the relevance of Constructivism in understanding the dimensions, scope and limitations of Human Security. The approach of Human Security can also benefit the development of Constructivism as the structure of global politics may witness important change if the concept of Human Security finds a place in the perspective of major players and institutions in World Politics.