A Theoretical Framework for Human Security in West Africa: An Assessment of the Critical Human Security Theory

Abstract

The human study of security in West Africa requires an appropriate theory to properly interpret the various components at work so as to arrives at conclusions that can be used in addressing the challenges effectively. This paper examines perspectives on the concept of human security and assesses the critical human security theory and its suitability studying and understanding the concept. It concludes that critical security theory is most appropriate because on the one hand, it combines the strength of human security with its emphasis on policy relevance and yet addressing its analytical weakness which exists regarding the scope and nature of security, and the means of achieving security by the critical security approach. On the other hand, it employs the advantage of critical security to address the excessive focus of human security on the manifestations of insecurity which can be misleading and paying attention to the underlying structural causes.