Description

Redefine and Practice Our Peace, Our Security, If They Do Theirs

Muto notes that globalization has posed a major challenge to peace movements that are focused primarily on the dangers of nuclear weapons, or those who define security in national terms. The concept of security is virtually synonymous with military security in mainstream political discourse, and this form of security is so entrenched that it is taken for granted by many people. He notes that a UNDP Human Development Report of 1994 introduced the concept of human security, shifting “emphasis to personal, economic, and social security, which, given the destructive effects of the globalization process, certainly address the issues and aspects of people’s everyday lives that are totally neglected in national security discourse.” The UNDP approach, however, “does not properly address the whole problematic of military forces and societal militarization.” Muto argues instead for a demilitarized “people’s security.”

Asia/South Asia, United States — foreign relations — Japan; globalization; peace movements; United Nations — development program; insecurity

Citation: Social Justice Vol. 27, No. 4 (2000): 133-142