This paper seeks to show that institutional reforms are urgently needed in the area of security (physical security, human security & state security) especially as the general idea that the inability of most African states during their developmental stage to ensure national cohesion, as relevant as it might seem, is being overtaken by other emerging factors notably their inability to control boundaries and provide their citizens’ right to life of which freedom is a very important component.
These perceived weaknesses of most States in Africa epitomize the concept of failed states. This paper proposes a merger between human security and state security as the contemporary security breaches are multidimensional and in a State’s bid to adequately roll out measures to tackle the latter, it is only rational that the situation will be analyzed holistically.
To address this issue our article adopted the following problematic: «What could be done to ensure that the culture of peace, conflict prevention and resolution in the wake of the numerous security challenges lead to development and by extension sustainable development?»
Table of Contents
I. The concept of state security in review with respect to the security situation in certain African States.
II. Concept of human security.
Introduction and overview.
Definition of Human Security.
III. Security-governance-development:
IV. Case-study: The Niger Delta Crisis and the Boko Haram Menace in Nigeria.
Objectives and Themes
This paper aims to bridge the gap between human security and state security, arguing that these two concepts should not be viewed antagonistically but as complementary elements of a "development-based security analysis approach." By analyzing security challenges in Nigeria, the research seeks to demonstrate that institutional weakness, poverty, and bad governance are the root causes of insecurity, rather than just a lack of military capacity.
- The intersection of state security, human security, and sustainable development.
- The impact of institutional failure and corruption on national stability.
- Poverty as a primary driver for conflict and security threats.
- The role of governance in fostering national cohesion and trust.
- Proposed solutions focusing on institutional consolidation and local empowerment.
Excerpt from the book
I. The concept of state security in review with respect to the security situation in certain African States.
The concept of human security was first made known by the PNUD in its 1994 human development report. This concept placed at the heart of security concerns, the individual. Material deprivation in the form of poverty was also drafted into this concept as contributing to one's insecurity. Most researchers usually express views which make it seem as if there can't be any relationship between state security and human security (PNUD, 1994).
We maintain that there's a thin line between state security and human security by virtue of the fact that the state has as its core functions the provision of security for its population as well as the protection of its frontiers (boundaries or territory) in a bid to safeguard its sovereignty. Also taking into consideration the notion of a « state provider », the state has to ensure the provision of very vital and basic necessities for the entire populace. In this regard, we can say that since the turn of the century, thus, year 2000, we have beyond all doubt seen the need for the state to play a greater role in the day to day life of its people.
But a growing and worrying trend is that, certain African countries seem not to be able to ensure either state security or are they able to ensure human security. Rather, what they promote is a multi-facet (multidimensional) deprivation of their population, as a result of which internal wrangling and conflicts sometimes even crossing borders to become an issue between states (inter-state conflicts). This situation usually leads to the emergence of separatist movements who turn to create a state within the state. Normally, the regalian function of the state makes it that it has to ensure at all times that its boundaries are protected as well as maintain national cohesion.
Chapter Summaries
I. The concept of state security in review with respect to the security situation in certain African States: This chapter establishes the theoretical link between state security and human security, arguing that state failure stems from an inability to provide for the populace and protect borders.
II. Concept of human security: This section reviews existing definitions of human security, emphasizing the shift from military-centric views to those centered on sustainable development and the enhancement of human capabilities.
III. Security-governance-development: This chapter explores how governance and development are intertwined, asserting that true stability requires a holistic approach where economic and social needs are met to prevent future conflict.
IV. Case-study: The Niger Delta Crisis and the Boko Haram Menace in Nigeria: This chapter applies the developed theoretical framework to the specific security challenges in Nigeria, illustrating how poverty and corruption fuel violence.
Keywords
Human security, state security, governance, development, freedom, institutions, failed state, sustainable development, reforms, conflict resolution, Nigeria, poverty, national cohesion, territorial integrity, security analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central focus of this research?
The paper focuses on the need to merge the concepts of state security and human security into a more comprehensive framework termed the "development-based security analysis approach."
What are the primary thematic areas explored in the work?
The core themes include the role of state institutions, the impact of poverty on regional security, the necessity of good governance, and the failure of current security measures to address the root causes of conflict.
What is the primary research question?
The paper asks: "What could be done to ensure that the culture of peace, conflict prevention and resolution in the wake of the numerous security challenges lead to development?"
Which methodology does the author adopt?
The author uses a qualitative approach, combining a review of established security literature (such as the UNDP 1994 report) with a detailed case study of Nigeria’s security challenges.
What does the main body of the paper cover?
The body progresses from theoretical definitions of state and human security to the practical implications of these concepts, followed by a concrete analysis of the Boko Haram insurgency and the Niger Delta crisis.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include human security, state security, governance, development, poverty, institutions, and failed state.
How does the author define the relationship between poverty and security?
The author argues that poverty is a neglected, primary security threat; when the state fails to provide basic needs and livelihoods, it creates fertile ground for violence and extremism.
What is the significance of the Nigerian case study?
Nigeria serves as an example where the largest military force in West Africa struggles with security threats because it failed to address the root causes of poverty and marginalization within its own borders.
- Citar trabajo
- Frank Edem Kofigah (Autor), 2015, The Security Challenges in Africa. "Bridging the Gap Between Human Security and State Security Through Institutional Reforms", Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/298458
