Development and Security: Origins and Future

Abstract

The problems of development and security have historically formed distinct discourses. More recently, they have been inextricably linked both in discourse and in much policy, thus creating the so-called development—security nexus that pervades much of today’s international development assistance. The empirical basis for attention to this nexus has been quite obvious given the many humanitarian emergencies occurring in the 1990s. It is less clear what, in terms of linkages, went before and what will come after. This article discusses the putative nexus in different historical geopolitical contexts, probing into its origins and speculating about the shape it may take in the future. It consists of three parts. The first deals with conceptual issues and the overall theoretical framework. The second describes four historical discourses, consecutively prevalent from about 1750 to 1980. The third concerns the current discourse on globalization and its possible future shape: global development.

Boko Haram

“…In particular, the concept of human security, which "deals with how people live and breathe, how they exercise choice, how much access they have to opportuni-ties…", (in other words human development in the broadest sense of the word) have become fundamental to the understanding of security in modern times (Buzan 1991, p. 17;Booth 2007;Hettne 2010). Note, however, that the attainment of human security is mainly possible through socio-political and economic development since it is not merely about protecting people, but also empowering people to fend for themselves.…”

Political Geographies of Piracy

“…Recently there has been a growing acceptance within security and development studies, and within policy arenas, that security and development are inextricably linked (Stewart 2004;Uvin 2006;Hettne 2010;Stern and Ojendal 2010;Reid-Henry 2011). This acceptance stems from political and academic arguments that (1) a more secure world is possible only if poor countries are given the opportunity to develop; and (2) poor and underdeveloped countries provide a breeding ground for insecurity in the form of civil conflict, terrorism, transnational crime, and other threats.…”

Natural Disasters: Altruism, Interests, and Opportunities

“…Despite the importance of what is conventionally understood as humanitarian action in the strictest sense, international aid projects tacitly go beyond the favorable reaction of those who need it, adopting ethical standards and institutional policies (Hettne, 2010). Curtis (2001) (2014) in his work on the international flow of resources.…”