Security, Quality of Life and Development: A Holistic Approach

Abstract

Traditional approaches are often based on defensive security policies. However, the perception of strong security measures generates an insecurity feeling, as it reveals the presence of threats. Democracy, well-being and freedom highly reduce insecurity, by reducing both threats and defence activities at a lower level. GDP, strongly criticised since decades as a measure of development, still rules economic systems neglecting the goal of capabilities’ expansion. The conception of development, based on the glorification of individual success and the pushed capital accumulation, hardly allows reducing insecurity and increasing freedom. So, security becomes an individual good and relies upon ineffective defensive policies. Development, well-being, security and freedom are strictly interrelated. Individual capabilities imply collective capabilities. Even in free market economies, often the human needs listed in Maslow’s pyramid are public goods and can be put on the market under regulation or collective governance (food, housing, employment, health care, family policies, fresh water, security and safety). These goods are often under political debate, as they are critical for development and social cohesion. The more they are shared among larger parts of population, the less we experience social conflict and political instability. Security, hardly achievable individually, is the result of a more holistic thinking. Individual security and freedom implies the security and freedom of all. Futures studies can help in understanding human capabilities and pathways towards collective security and enhanced development. Instances of participation in the definition of security needs would make citizens able to feel at the centre of development goals.