New Approaches to Human Security in the Asia-Pacific offers a distinctly Asia-Pacific-oriented perspective to one of the most discussed components of international security policy, human security. This volume of regional experts assess countries that have either spearheaded this form of security politics (Japan and Australia) or have recently advanced to become a key player on various aspects of human security in both a domestic and global context (China). The authors provide an interesting investigation into the continued relevance and promise of the human security paradigm against more 'traditional' security approaches. Accordingly the book will appeal to readers across a wide band of the social sciences (international relations, security studies, development studies and public policy) and to practitioners and analysts working in applied settings.
Offering a distinctly Asia-Pacific-oriented perspective to one of the most discussed components of international security policy, human security.
'As Asia Pacific states wrestle with the burgeoning human needs generated by development and change, can state elites break down the barriers between freedom from fear and freedom from want? This timely collection demonstrates the enduring difficulties of defining human security as tensions endure between the needs of the individual and those of the state.' Julie Gilson, University of Birmingham, UK 'Not only is this book a clear-headed argument for why and how the human security approach should be a viable conceptual and policy part of changing Asia-Pacific regional security politics, but it also offers a valuable comparative analysis about human security policy adaptability of Australia, China and Japan, three prominent Asian countries with different political systems and cultural and social experiences. There is much in this book to enrich the debate on seeking new ways and forms of recognizing and tackling the challenge of reconciling traditional and human security in the Asia-Pacific context where the state-centric geopolitical complexities prevail.' Shin-wha Lee, Korea University, Korea '... lucid and revealing ... This is a concise and timely overview and one that manages to show how an issue has some marked and quantifiable differences across a number of different Asian countries. As in the rest of the world, human security in Asia still very much remains a work in process.' International Affairs 'This edited book reaffirms and clearly benefits from the leading role each of the Australia-based editors plays in the study of contemporary Asian international relations in Australia. ... This book is a timely contribution to understanding the Chinese state's present approach to security and how-or whether-it may broaden in the future.' China Journal
