A global security approach towards implementing sustainable development in southern Africa

Abstract

An interactive and incremental developmental approach to sustainable development is proposed. It requires broad public participation, is based on the development of a shared value system for civic society and norms which determine the behaviour of states. It is aimed at building commitment rather than directing change. This is achieved by simultaneoulsy harnessing the notions of 'positive human survival' adopted from Global Security theory and a co-evolutionary approach to human socio-economic constructs. Modern threats to Nation States can be regarded as 'threats without enemies', are not compatible with traditional views of sovereignty, and confronting such threats frequently requires co-operative behaviour and good neigbourliness from states. Principles likely to underpin an evolving shared value system for Nation states and civil society include: democracy, equity and diversity. In order to deal with the uncertainty of evolving socioeconomic constructs and the conceptual pluralism inherent in modern societies, public agencies need to develop significant mediation, negotiation and facilitation skills. This view has significant implications for National and Regional policy, and the democratisation of information and the development of early warning capabilities about potential threats to human security are pivotal.

Bibliometric analysis on AIDS publications in South Africa

“…La alta mortalidad infantil, el analfabetismo y las enfermedades endé-micas imponen costos sobre África de hasta el doble, comparados con los costos de otros países en vía de desarrollo (1). Estos factores, aunados a la incidencia de enfermedades por VIH/SIDA en la región, han contribuido para considerar el Sur de África como una región de alta prioridad a nivel mundial (2). Esta situación ha despertado el interés y el apoyo de organismos internacionales y de los diversos sectores académicos, gubernamentales y privados, tanto locales como externos a la región, para mejorar la situación que prevalece en esos países.…”