Introduction to Human Security (DHP-P295)

Spring 2025 · DHP P295 · Tufts University · 3 credits · Undergraduate

Human security is a value proposition. It argues that seeking the security of the individual, as defined by that individual, is at least as important as seeking the security of the state – and sometimes more important. Although the term “human security” is relatively recent, originating in the 1990s post-Cold War era, the question of whose security is primary, the individual’s or the state’s, is seminal in international relations scholarship. The argument revolves around differences of viewpoint on what obligations the state has to its people in terms of providing for their security, and whether individuals have claims beyond the state if/when their security is threatened. In the 1990s in particular, these discussions included expanding the definition of security beyond physical safety (e.g., to include economic, identity, and rights-based dimensions), the recognition that entities other than the state provide for individuals’ security when the state either can’t or won’t, and the need for including vulnerable groups in decision-making about security provision. Human security covers a broad range of issues and practices, but they all share three main analytic components: (1) person-centered, focusing on views of security as defined from the ground up rather than top-down; (2) multi-dimensional, requiring both an interdisciplinary approach and one that integrates all voices and perspectives; and (3) preventive, choosing to look at root causes and early indicators to be pro-active rather than reactive to threat. Human security thus provides a powerful lens through which to analyze all threats to the security of individuals and communities. The issue areas in which the human security lens in most often applied include: gender-based violence; human trafficking; forced migration; drug policy; civilian protection through human rights or non-violent action; multi-track diplomacy; youth and conflict; financial inclusion; and provision of basic services such as healthcare and education. In this course, we will review the critical security and feminist security literature that preceded the development of human security. We then cover the core concepts in human security as outlined above: person-centered, multi-dimensional, and preventive. Under each of these themes, we will introduce relevant skills for building analytic competency and draw upon case studies that illustrate how these analytic approaches have been used in practice. Case studies will be drawn from the issue areas listed above. Throughout the course, emphasis will be placed on becoming a “reflective practitioner,” with the ability to investigate one’s own values and assumptions and incorporate the learning from this inquiry into one’s work.

Course codes: DHP-P295

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