Development without Security and Security without Development - Essay Example

?Can there be development without security and security without development? Introduction Development is an indicator of progress and in order to succeed it is important for continuous development to be a priority. However how one perceives development may vary from an individual to another. It is imperative to understand what development is and what is the difference of priorities in different countries regarding developmental policies; it is only then that once can truly serve justice to the topic. It is stated in a paper produced in the year 2004, published by World Bank that development holds a different meaning in various countries. For some it may be the amount of resources available to the society, for some it is freedom of the masses, for others peace and security and for some it may be equitable distribution of income. This difference between perceptions is what causes a substantial difference between the statuses of the two countries that may otherwise be equal based on other factors. The term ‘sustainable development’ used fervently by many can be defined as development that produces economic benefits in a surplus without generating great cost to the environment. Also in order for a development to be sustainable it is important that all the current necessities are met without over consumption taking place and causing any disturbance for future generations in meeting their needs. World Bank (2004) further states that there are different requirements of development; for example reducing poverty is one of the indicators of development taking place. One of the methods to reduce poverty would be to increase income generating activities which again result in development, occurring as an industry is supported and developed. To safeguard human life from any sort of invasive threats is the most critical element of security. A house, land or region is secure if the people who live in it can move freely without any fear of threats that could harm their life or property (Alkire, 2003, pp.3). Human security is proactive. It assumes the possibility of a threat to human life that may exist in form of physical violence, financial crisis, pollution or natural disaster. These threats can be managed just like any other conflict because every conflict has a solution; a threat from earthquakes can be minimized by building earthquake resistant properties (Alkire, 2003, pp.3). Another method to provide security in the wake of emerging threats is to respect human lives. Respect for human security will enable individuals and institutions to make decisions which will acknowledge the importance of human lives and does not have implications that might compromise it. Threats to security may be direct or indirect. An indirect form of threat would consist of reduction in public expenditure or the recently incurred global financial meltdown. Other forms of threats are direct which means that they not only affect the essential functions of a human life but human life itself; for example civil wars and natural disasters (Alkire, 2003, pp.5). Recently literatures have recognized an inverse relationship between threats to security and development. International Cooperation for Development and Solidarity (2005) conducted a study in which it defined the relationship between security and development. The study states that when there is a decrease in security which means an increase in violence inadvertently there will be a decrease in development because threats to human life or their property transfers into a slowed down developmental process. Relationship between security and development After World War 1 and till the Cold War, security was taken to be a matter of discussion between different states, super powers and blocs. However, as the world evolved and such wars have ceased to exist, inter-state conflicts evolved the term security into a concept of human security (Adam, 2008, pp.1). Latest findings state that security and development are inter-related; one cannot exist without the other. Bernard Adam (2008, pp.1) goes further into identifying six types of security recognized worldwide and they were economic, food, environmental, personal, community and political. This supports the first argument presented that there is a difference of opinion over what security is because different types of security hold a different degree of importance in a specific country. In order to understand all dimensions of security it would be wise to go into a brief discussion of each type separately. Economic security points towards a security in the form of equal distribution of income, proper allocation of resources, low inflation and no risk of a collapsing financial market. Food as a form of security reflects the importance of a proper system of food production and equitable distribution in order to leave no one hungry. For some just the guarantee that they will receive a meal twice a day is enough to make them hope for a secure present and future. Increased food production, fair farming practices, justice in land reforms, no compromises on agricultural development expenses by the government or international institutions and presence of a non-violent environment in the area of food production are all necessary steps to be taken for security. Environmental issues are an increasing concern as it is continued to be harmed at an alarming rate. Security in form of laws imposed on those harming the environment and ensuring a clean world with sustainable resources for the future generations to come would be counted under environment security. Personal and community security relates to human rights. A person would wish to possess some security in the sense that there is no physical threat to him. While a community would wish to be recognized as a group of people that have a right to everything any other individual outside the community does without any threat of violence or oppression. Lastly, political security can be translated into political stability. A policy in process undertaken by the previous government could be revoked by the one that replaces on the basis of conflicting interest. Another example could be a private investment directly impacting the essential functions of an individual which does not take any more due to political instability and loss of confidence. Also violence caused due to rifts between political parties is also another reason why political security is important to guarantee individuals safety of their rights and lives. Security depends on whether an individual feels safe in pursuing his day to day activities in presence of a political debate or a political party being overthrown. Before going into further discussion with examples that clarify the relationship between security and development, it is necessary to state that the concept of security discussed here is the one related to personal security from threats of violence and conflicts. The relationship being discussed here is between how violence, conflict, inter-state wars, and arms race in a continent, region or country affect development? United Nations (2005) released a paper that stated that in order to achieve the millennium development goals it is imperative for all developing countries to achieve freedom from fear. This type of fear is caused through terrorism, organized crime and civil conflicts. United Nations (2005, pp.3) further stated that the concept of collective security accepts the urgency of the issue and the seriousness of these form of threats being faced by the world. West Africa: An example The situation of West Africa is visible to all and would suffice as a perfect study to understand the relationship between security and development. Africa is the poorest continent and efforts for any form of development have resulted in little or no success. One of the major reasons taken to be a cause of hindrance for development is the alarmingly high rate of violence and conflicts (Poku, Renwick, & Porto, 2007, pp.1155). Lack of transparency, easily transferable arms and availability of small arms has contributed to the increasing rate of the conflicts and violence. Most of the regions are taken to have little capacity for arms production which indicates that most or all of these arms are imported. Imports are not documented and there are no formal records present which therefore encourages more and more of the violent groups to emerge by importing arms fearlessly (Moreau, Poitevin & Seniora, 2010, pp. 6). Lack of laws or regulations have fuelled the arms race in Africa and the fact that the problem is so deep rooted now showcases that it will not be easy to solve. In an attempt to reduce poverty and fuel further development, governments need to understand the importance of reducing the violence and conflicts occurring under their rule (Dao, 2011, pp.1). For developing countries or those considered as fragile states achieving the millennium development goals is a challenge because they are either facing conflict or post conflict scenarios. It has been discovered that the movement of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) has indeed affected the peace and security in West Africa. As SALW become conveniently accessible to anyone it instigates violence of different form deterring any type of development taking place. Why does it deter development can be answered by stating that the threat imposed on human life by the spread of SALW causes human resource to become increasingly restricted in the area of development (Ayissi, 2008, pp.22). Anatole Ayissi (2008, pp.23) gives an example of how small arm and light weapons can slow down development. One of the methods to reduce poverty in West Africa would be by initiating a Green Revolution according to the United Nations General Secretary and supporting the agriculture sector. However, the violent environment of West Africa’s country side does not let the agriculture sector to flourish and be further developed. Lack of security on highways where bandits loot traders transporting their agricultural produce to the city and disturb the common men discourages the countryside population to involve itself in agriculture. Furthermore, Africa is a continent where major contribution to the agriculture sector is produced from females. According to the culture and traditions of the continent males toil around while women work in the fields and earn income for the family. However, the role of females as a bread earner in the family has been deeply affected by the rising statistics of female rape victims. Properties are not safe grounds either as armed assaults takes place inside homes where the house is cleaned of any possession that can be a source of income and then women are threatened by arms and raped (Ayissi, 2008, pp.23). The result is that development in the agriculture sector comes to a halt; hunger is not decreased while poverty further increases. Programs for anti small arms and light weapon movements have been initiated in the region and some countries have begun to experience a change. Yet it is impossible to completely eliminate the possibility of the proliferation of arms in times of violence and especially when the threats keep on changing (Ayissi, 2008, pp.23). Conclusion Fragile societies are incapable of supporting any form of development and are known as fragile states. These fragile states are continuously assaulted by conflicts, violence, instability, and poverty. Developed countries, international organizations and institutions have made efforts to globalize these states and stop conflicts from arising but up till now have failed to do so (White, 2009, pp.5). Another example of a state affected by violence that has been a sole cause for millions of lives being lost is Mindanao. Again due to increasing threats to human life and little or no security, the infrastructure of Mindanao is not up to the mark, poverty is at its brink and no form of successful development has taken place (Hameed, pp. 253). The relation between security and development was not a matter of much concern for policy makers around fifteen years ago but now after several incidents that highlight the importance of diplomacy, development and defense is much of a concern for them (Tschirgi, 2005, pp.1).Therefore it would be fair to say that there is no development without security and security of course lies in the best possible method of development taking place in a country. The more secure a country is, the less hindrance towards development will be an issue and the more developed a country is, the less security issues would surface (CIDSE). The globalized world calls for a joint effort by all countries to provide help and a systematic solution to the problem of security in states where development is extremely necessary but violence and threats to human life make it impossible. References Moreau, V., Poitevin, C. & Seniora, J., 2010. Arms Transfers Control [pdf] Available at: http://www.grip.org/en/siteweb/images/RAPPORTS/2010/Report%202010-5%20EN.pdf [Accessed 12th December 2011] Adam, Bernard., 2008. No Development Without Security: No Security Without Development [Online] Available at: http://www.grip.org/en/siteweb/dev.asp?N=simple&O=376# [Accessed 12th December 2011] Tschigri, N., 2005. Security and Development Policies: Untangling the Relationship [pdf] Available at: http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/CC108.pdf [Accessed 12th December 2011] Hameed, A., N.D, No Development Without Security: Nonviolent Peace Force in Mindanao [pdf] Available at: http://eeas.europa.eu/ifs/publications/articles/book2/book%20vol2_part2_chapter35_interview%20-%20no%20development%20without%20security%20-%20nonviolent%20peaceforce%20in%20mindanao_atif%20hameed.pdf [Accessed 12th December 2011] White, J. M., 2009. No Development Without Security [pdf] Available at: http://www.gmfus.org/galleries/ct_publication_attachments/BrusselsForum_White_DevelopmentSecurity.pdf [Accessed 12th December 2011] United Nation, 2005. Towards Development, Security and Human Rights for All [pdf] Available at: http://www.un.org/largerfreedom/executivesummary.pdf [Accessed 12th December 2011] Ayissi, A., 2008. 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Security & Development [Online] Available at: http://www.cidse.org/Area_of_work/Global_governance/?id=309 [Accessed 12th December 2011] Read More