The aim of this research paper is to describe the shift towards the concept of “Human
Security”. Firstly, an overview of the literature regarding this topic will be provided, in order to point
out what “Human Security” refers to. Then, the “Human Security” paradigm will be considered on
regional scale, investigating if the European Union (EU) and especially the Organization for Security
and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), can be considered as “Human Security” providers. The analysis
will substantiate through a specific case-study: the Nagorno-Karabach conflict will be studied in the
light of EU and OSCE Minsk Group’s peace-keeping and stabilizing measures. The final part will
evaluate the OSCE Minsk Group’s effectiveness in Nagorno-Karabach conflict’s resolution and assess
whether or not EU and OSCE align with the “Human Security” paradigm.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Conceptualization of “Human Security”
3. Human Security on Regional Scale: European Human Security providers
3.1 European Union
3.2 Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe
4. Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict
4.1 Historical Overview
4.2 Current Situation in Nagorno-Karabakh
5. Violations of Human Rights during the Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict
5.1 Displaced Persons and Refugees
5.2 Violations of the Rules of War
6. Peaceful Settlement of the Conflit
6.1 OSCE Minsk Group
6.2 European Union
7. Final Remarks
Research Objectives and Key Topics
This research paper examines the shift towards the "Human Security" paradigm in international relations, specifically focusing on how regional organizations like the European Union (EU) and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) act as security providers. By analyzing the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict as a case study, the author assesses the effectiveness of these organizations in implementing human security measures, managing conflict resolution, and addressing humanitarian violations.
- The conceptual evolution of "Human Security" from state-centric to individual-centric security.
- The institutional roles and policies of the EU and OSCE within the human security framework.
- The historical development and current status of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
- The impact of ethnic conflict on human rights, including displaced persons and refugees.
- Evaluation of international peace-keeping efforts, specifically the OSCE Minsk Group.
Excerpt from the Book
Conceptualization of “Human Security”
The concept of “Human Security” (HS), despite the fact of having its roots into the Cold War period’s concepts of “common security” and “stable peace”1, can be at first defined as the individual and societal dimension of security, developed in the post-Cold War era2 (Bilgin, 2003). Individuals and also, sub- or supra-national groups become the first referents of security, thus turning the attention away from the state and its territorial boundaries.
Secondly, the HS concept is not just a negative definition of scecurity – absence of threats, mainly war or the threat of it – but it is rather a positive definition of security, since it stresses the need to eradicate social and economic constraints preventing human beings from the emancipation of their physical, psycological and intellectual potentialities and skills, situation defined by Galtung (1969) as structural violance. Human emancipation (Booth, 1991) thus, is at the core of the HS concept and indeed explains the absolute primacy of individual and group’ human rights promotion and enforcement.
The cornerstone of the HS concept is therefore having individuals and groups as primary referents of security, so going beyond the assumption that ensuring national security – the security of the state as unitarian actor – is the only way to ensure the security of those living within the state. As a consequence the state, which is supposed to be the first and foremost security provider for its citizens, has often been recognized as the primary source of insecurity, since the measures adopted in order to ensure its survival may constitute gross violations of individual or minority’s rights.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter defines the scope of the research, introducing the transition from state-sovereignty to human-centric security in an increasingly interdependent global context.
2. Conceptualization of “Human Security”: This section explores the theoretical foundations of human security, defining it as a multidimensional, holistic approach focused on individual emancipation and the eradication of structural violence.
3. Human Security on Regional Scale: European Human Security providers: This chapter evaluates how the EU and the OSCE have integrated human security principles into their operational frameworks and institutional identities.
4. Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict: This section provides an historical overview and current assessment of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, highlighting the role of nationalist upsurges and identity-based security dilemmas.
5. Violations of Human Rights during the Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict: This chapter analyzes the humanitarian impact of the war, focusing on mass displacement, refugees, and systematic breaches of international humanitarian law.
6. Peaceful Settlement of the Conflit: This chapter examines the diplomatic and mediation efforts by the OSCE Minsk Group and the EU to resolve the frozen conflict and restore stability.
7. Final Remarks: The author concludes by assessing the success of OSCE and EU interventions, emphasizing the need for continued confidence-building and the protection of the 'human' dimension of security.
Keywords
Human Security, Nagorno-Karabakh, European Union, OSCE, Conflict Resolution, Human Rights, International Relations, Peace-keeping, State Sovereignty, Humanitarian Aid, Ethnic Conflict, Displacement, Refugees, Minsk Group, Global Governance
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper primarily investigates the shift in international relations toward "Human Security," a paradigm that prioritizes the safety and rights of individuals and groups over traditional state-centric security models.
Which international organizations are analyzed in this study?
The research focuses on the European Union (EU) and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) as regional providers of human security.
What is the primary research goal?
The goal is to determine if the EU and OSCE effectively align their policies and actions with the human security paradigm, using the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict as a practical case study.
What methodology is employed to conduct this analysis?
The author utilizes a qualitative case study approach, examining historical context, institutional documents, and reported human rights data from the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict to evaluate the application of human security principles.
What topics are discussed in the main body of the paper?
The main body covers the theoretical conceptualization of human security, the roles of European regional institutions, the historical background of the Nagorno-Karabakh war, human rights violations therein, and the effectiveness of international mediation efforts.
Which keywords best describe this work?
Key terms include Human Security, Nagorno-Karabakh, European Union, OSCE, Conflict Resolution, Human Rights, and International Relations.
How does the author define the relationship between state sovereignty and human security?
The author argues that human security acts as a vertical conception of security, where individual rights take precedence, sometimes challenging state sovereignty when that state becomes the source of insecurity for its own citizens.
What specific role did the OSCE Minsk Group play in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict?
The Minsk Group served as a diplomatic mediator, attempting to negotiate a ceasefire, organize multi-national peace-keeping efforts, and provide a framework for resolving the final status of the region.
- Quote paper
- Arianna Catalano (Author), 2010, EU and OSCE as Regional 'Human Security' Providers, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/179859
