Human Security from the Standpoint of an Economist

Two dimensions of human security may be addressed by the economist: freedom from want and freedom from fear. This paper examines freedom from want by focussing on economic growth. Differences in growth rates, particularly over the last two centuries, have produced the present disparities between rich and poor countries, which in turn constitutes the problem of development. Growth also constitutes the principal avenue for poverty reduction. The paper also analyses the role of institutional functioning in explaining the deep determinants of long-term growth and growth failure. With regard to the freedom for fear, the paper looks at violence as an alternative economic activity to peaceful production. It then examines what economics can contribute to the understanding of the causes of civil war. Furthermore, reasons as to why peace agreements are so notoriously fragile are outlined, along with the difficulties in achieving durable peace due to the indivisibility of the objectives of warring parties. Human Security in Economics S Mansoob Murshed