Human Security Analysis in Hurricane Katrina - Essay Example

Human Security Analysis in Hurricane Katrina al Affiliation Human Security Analysis in Hurricane Katrina Human security isa topic that has garnered a lot of attention within the public domain as different security analysts seek to understand its meaning. In definition, human security refers to the protection of the public from any disaster that risks the safety of their lives. However, it is apparent that different theoretical frameworks provide different perspectives of human security hence leading to a great controversy in the issue. However, there is a concession that the government is responsible for safeguarding human security within its area of jurisdiction as part of their major responsibilities. In the Hurricane Katrina, one of the international disasters, the role of the state in providing human security came under sharp criticism. The state failed to provide the required human security, resulting to the severe impact of the Hurricane Katrina. Hurricane Katrina is one of the largest natural disasters that US has encountered in its history. The hurricane left over 1800 people dead and ten thousands were left homeless and lacking basic essentials, making it the deadliest and most destructive disasters in the US. Moynihan notes that the response plan for the disaster was integrative and involved both the intergovernmental and international actors.1 However, it is indisputable that the US government was responsible for preparing for such a calamity as well its alleviation as part of its obligations to provide human security within the country. However, in the disaster response plan, the government was inefficient in collecting the bodies of the victims as well as coordinating the international actors. The whole process was punctuated with disagreements especially on the assignment of the rescue responsibilities. Resultantly, the state was unable to act swiftly to reduce losses and to rehabilitate those who lost property in the disaster. From this perspective, it is apparent that the government failed to provide human security. Problem Solving A problem-solving attitude is crucial for any government that intends to secure its public to future life risks. The US is one of the countries that have emphasized on the need for disaster planning including recognition of its roles in preventing disasters and reduces loss in case of a happening. Katrina happened 3 years after the formation of the department of Homeland Security and one year after the formation of the Disaster response plan2. The purpose of the disaster response plan unit was to prepare for disaster management and to provide the public with security when such events occur. This shows the commitment of the US government to provide human security for its public and its willingness to learn from previous challenges such as one experienced during the 9/11 bomb attack. However, the government plan to provide human security seems to lack enough focus and practicality. To begin with, the government failed to mitigate the problem and hence were overtaken as a surprise. Notably, FEMA foresaw the disaster but failed to provide actionable results in time. Next, even after FEMA provided a warning on this disaster, the government did not initiate an evacuation procedure to safeguard the security interests of the public.3 Secondly, after the landfall, the government was overwhelmed in handling the rescue procedures due to lack of adequate preparation.4 From a close analysis, it appears that the US failure to provide security resulted from lack of proper preparation in both its preventive and disaster management procedures. In the event of a disaster, it is crucial for a country to engage the right action, resources and plans necessary for problem solving. Critical Theory A number of human security theories attempt to end the controversies that surround the issues human security. According to Kerr, one way to perceive security is “freedom from want” in the light of disasters such as poverty, environmental stress or diseases. Another way to look at human security is as “freedom from fear” which mainly focuses on conflict, violence and oppression.5 However, Acharya recognises that human security is multidimensional and may include issues of personal, economic or health security.6 However, these theories concede that the human security aims at safeguarding the interests of the people within their living environment. Another issue of interest in human security lies in establishing the role that human security stakeholders play. The state-centric theories emphasize that the government shoulders the responsibility of safeguarding the interests of the people within the nation, integrative theories recognize that the state, the people and international bodies are key players in ensuring human security. However, from a critical point of view, the state bears the largest burden as it holds the resources and skills ensure in disaster response. In a disaster such as Katrina, the government had the duty to engage its disaster response mitigation unit to detect the calamity and to protect the people from the problems. Also, the government had the mandate to coordinate disaster management activities in the face of Katrina with a view to reduce life and property loss. However, the delay in handling the issue and lack of proper cooperation increased the ill impact of the problem. The Role of the Media While the state is a main actor in provision of human security, the media plays a central role in information dissemination. At a time of disaster such as Katrina, information is key in decision making process, relay of disaster response information and creation of awareness within the public domain. Besides, the media plays the role of information the world of the nature of the problem hence assisting in soliciting aid from international actors. In the rescue mission of Katrina disaster, the media played a critical role in collection and dissemination of information. For instance, the US media provided information provided information on the establishment of a convention centre which sheltered victims, an issue that even the Department of Homeland security did not know. This comprehensive coverage of disaster rescue details was crucial in attracting non-state actors that contributed to the action plan. However, media has received criticism for failing to warn the public about the looming threat that was already established by FEMA four days before the fall of the wave. At the same time, the government ignored the role of the media in informing the public, which if engaged, would influence the people’s decision to move to safer places. On this note, there is need for the government to work hand in hand with the media in the event of a disaster in a collaborative approach towards human security provision. Conclusion In conclusion, the great loss of life and property as a result of Hurricane Katrina is a result of state failure to provide human security. While human security is a topic surrounded by great controversies, there is a concession that the government’s role is pivotal in disaster mitigation and management. The US government had the mandate to inform the people of the looming danger of the Katrina Hurricane as well as reducing the impact of the disaster. However, the government failed in both roles leading to severity of the calamity. The media played an important role in informing the public and other aides who came to the rescue of the people. On this note, it is crucial that the US government provides an actionable strategy and resources necessary to mitigate and control disasters in pursuit for human security for their population. References Acharya, Amitav. 2001. "Human security". International Journal. 56 (3): 442-460. Kerr, Pauline. 2003. The evolving dialectic between state-centric and human-centric security. Canberra: Dept. of International Relations, Australian National University. Moynihan, Donald P. "The response to Hurricane Katrina." Internactional Risk Governance Council. Geneva (2009). Schneider, Saundra K. "Administrative breakdowns in the governmental response to Hurricane Katrina." Public Administration Review 65, no. 5 (2005): 515-516. Read More