by Kanti Bajpai

This paper lays the groundwork for the development of a human security audit that combines the formation of a Human Security Index along with qualitative estimates of the state of human security. (See article on page 1 of this Report.) Bajpai first delineates the concept of human security, contrasting it with the dominant, neo-realist conception of security. He notes four distinctive features of human security: its focus on the individual, its concern with values of personal safety and freedom, its consideration of indirect threats, and its emphasis on non-coercive means. Bajpai then proposes the development of a Human Security Index, parallel to the Human Development Index, and outlines various uses of such an index. The Index would combine a quantitative measure of direct and indirect threats with an evaluation of the capabilities to meet those threats. Where quantitative measurement is not possible or fruitful, Bajpai suggests how qualitative assessments could be incorporated.

Kanti Bajpai is associate professor in the School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. He was a visiting fellow at the Kroc Institute in April-May 2000.

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