Differences Between Human Security And National Security

When examining security in the international system several frameworks are discussed. Two such models are human security and national security, each conceptualize the variances found in security policies. Human security is an expansive concept that focuses on the wellbeing of the individual. While national security is a specified concept that concentrates on the wellbeing of the state. In the following pages one will find in depth descriptions of both human and national security as well as an analysis of their differences and similarities. Both securities provide opportunities to improve the wellbeing and freedoms of the members within the international community. National Security and human security do have two very different outlooks on the …show more content…
Its focus is to protect the nations as a whole, not just individuals. The state is protected through different international channels compared to human security, it utilizes military, political, economic, and diplomatic powers. National security is largely influenced by geopolitics. This means that a state’s security is often determined by the relations the state has between other states near their borders. Another influence on national security are the security paradigms frequently found in the international system. One paradigm that is common throughout the national security is realism. Realism is also state oriented and is always prepared to be in a position of war by maintaining or enhancing military or economic power. An issue with realism is that “The state-centric paradigm of realism cannot explain civil wars that are the most prevalent form of armed conflict”. Another point to be made is that current national security has changed throughout the ages. Now, national security has more of a basis with internal conflicts, like civil wars or disputes. Therefore even though national security is more traditional and developed then human security it still has its