Human Security and International Law: Prospects and Problems

(Hardback)

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The concept of 'human security' has influenced discourse and practice and has been the subject of vigorous debate. Despite its relevance to central questions of international law, human security has until recently received little attention from international lawyers. This book has two related goals: to evaluate human security as a concept that could be used in the analysis of international law, and to determine what insights about a human security approach might be gained by considering it from the perspective of international law. The first part of the book examines the evolution and meanings of the concept and its links with existing theories and principles of international law. The second part explores the ways in which human security has been and could be used in relation to the diverse topics of humanitarian intervention, internally displaced persons, small arms control, and global public health. The analysis sheds new light on debates about the concept's potential and limitations.

Reviews

HUMAN SECURITY AND INTERNATIONAL LAW elaborates a strong theoretical argument to change the state-centered approach. -- Aparicio Caicedo * The Law and Politics Book Review, Vol. 18 No.7 *
A unique feature of this book is that it examines the concept of human security from legal viewpoints. Considering that this concept has received relatively little attention from international lawyer, von Tigerstrom's book makes an important contribution to the present debate on this subject. In particular, the thorough examination of the role and effect of human security in four distinct fields humanitarian intervention, the protection of internally displaced people, the regulation of SALW and health provide for a useful insight into the new dimensions of international law. This book should command the attention of wide audience, including scholars, practitioners, and students studying international law and international relations. -- Yoshifumi Tanaka * Netherlands International Law Review, Issue 3 *
...the breadth of argument throughout the text is engaging and challenges the reader to think laterally about the entire question of international law and security, and how one interrelates to the other...Overall this text is ambitious in its scope and robust in its many arguments. The theme of human security and its relationship with international law is covered with great attention to detail...a significant contribution to the research and it is very suitable for both undergraduate and postgraduate work but this is not just an 'academic text'. It will also appeal to a wider, general readership particularly to the engaged reader who has considered interest in humanitarianism, human security, and international law. -- Dr John Janzekovic * Journal of Human Security, Vol 5, Issue 2 *

Author Bio

Barbara von Tigerstrom is Assistant Professor at the University of Saskatchewan College of Law, where she teaches international law and health law.