Human Security in South Asia | International Relations & Global Politics

 Human Security in South Asia | International Relations & Global Politics

Human security in South Asia has emerged as one of the most significant themes in contemporary international relations and global politics. Traditionally, security studies focused primarily on the protection of state sovereignty, territorial integrity, and military strength. However, since the end of the Cold War and especially after the 1994 UNDP Human Development Report introduced the concept of human security, the global understanding of security has shifted toward people-centered approaches. Human security emphasizes protection from chronic threats such as hunger, disease, repression, and sudden disruptions in daily life. In South Asia—home to nearly one-fourth of the world’s population—this framework is particularly relevant. The region comprises India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, and Afghanistan, and it faces complex challenges including poverty, climate vulnerability, political instability, regional rivalry, and economic inequality. Understanding human security in South Asia requires examining how domestic vulnerabilities intersect with international power politics, regional institutions, and global economic structures.

South Asia occupies a strategic geopolitical location connecting the Middle East, Central Asia, East Asia, and the Indian Ocean. This strategic importance has historically attracted external powers and shaped regional security dynamics. During the Cold War, the region was influenced by superpower rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union. In the contemporary era, competition among major powers such as the United States and China increasingly affects South Asia’s political and economic trajectory. However, while traditional geopolitical competition continues, the most immediate security threats faced by ordinary people in the region are not military invasions but poverty, food insecurity, climate change, unemployment, and inadequate healthcare. Thus, international relations theory must move beyond realism’s focus on state power to incorporate human security perspectives that prioritize the well-being of populations.

One of the defining features of South Asia’s human security landscape is persistent poverty and economic inequality. Despite impressive economic growth in countries like India and Bangladesh over the past two decades, large segments of the population continue to live in precarious conditions. Informal employment dominates labor markets, leaving workers without social protection or stable income. Economic shocks—such as global inflation, supply chain disruptions, or financial crises—have immediate impacts on vulnerable communities. Sri Lanka’s economic crisis in recent years demonstrated how macroeconomic mismanagement and global financial pressures can quickly translate into shortages of fuel, medicine, and food. Pakistan has also faced debt distress and inflationary pressures. Afghanistan remains heavily dependent on humanitarian assistance. In international relations terms, these vulnerabilities reflect the region’s integration into a global economic system where developing states often remain dependent on external markets, loans, and investment flows. Human security in South Asia is therefore deeply connected to global economic governance and institutions such as the IMF and World Bank.

Climate change represents another major human security challenge that directly connects South Asia to global politics. The region is one of the most climate-vulnerable areas in the world, even though it has contributed relatively little to global greenhouse gas emissions compared to industrialized nations. Rising sea levels threaten low-lying areas of Bangladesh and the Maldives. Glacial melting in the Himalayas affects river systems that sustain hundreds of millions of people in India, Pakistan, and Nepal. Extreme heatwaves and unpredictable monsoon patterns disrupt agriculture and increase health risks. Floods in Pakistan and cyclones in coastal regions illustrate how climate disasters can overwhelm state capacity. From a global politics perspective, climate justice and climate finance become central issues. South Asian countries argue in international forums that developed nations must provide financial and technological support for adaptation and mitigation. Thus, human security concerns in South Asia are embedded in global negotiations on climate governance.

Regional conflicts and political tensions also shape the human security environment. The long-standing rivalry between India and Pakistan remains a central feature of South Asian geopolitics. While large-scale war has been avoided in recent years, periodic border tensions and diplomatic breakdowns maintain a climate of uncertainty. Military expenditures remain high, diverting resources that could otherwise be invested in health, education, and social welfare. Afghanistan’s prolonged instability has created cross-border security challenges, refugee flows, and humanitarian crises. Internal insurgencies and political unrest in various countries further complicate governance. In international relations theory, realism emphasizes the security dilemma, where states prioritize military strength due to mistrust of neighbors. However, from a human security perspective, excessive focus on military security can undermine development and social stability. Redirecting attention from arms competition to cooperative development could significantly improve human security outcomes.

The role of regional organizations is crucial in addressing shared human security challenges. The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was established to promote economic and social development, but its effectiveness has been limited by political tensions among member states. Regional cooperation in areas such as disaster management, public health, water sharing, and trade could significantly enhance human security. However, mistrust and bilateral disputes often stall collective initiatives. In contrast, subregional initiatives and alternative frameworks such as BIMSTEC have gained attention. Nevertheless, the lack of strong regional integration remains a major obstacle. In global politics, regions like the European Union demonstrate how economic interdependence and institutional cooperation can reduce conflict and improve human welfare. South Asia’s relatively weak regionalism highlights the gap between potential and reality in addressing transnational human security threats.

Public health security has become a prominent dimension of international relations following the COVID-19 pandemic. South Asian countries experienced significant health system strain during the pandemic, exposing weaknesses in infrastructure, supply chains, and governance. Although vaccination campaigns eventually expanded, disparities in healthcare access persist. Urban-rural divides remain pronounced. Air pollution in cities like Delhi and Lahore continues to create chronic respiratory problems. Vector-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria are exacerbated by climate change. Public health is increasingly recognized as a matter of global security, as infectious diseases do not respect national borders. International cooperation through organizations like the World Health Organization plays a critical role. Human security in South Asia depends not only on domestic health reforms but also on global collaboration in research, vaccine distribution, and emergency preparedness.

Food and water security are also deeply intertwined with regional and global politics. South Asia relies heavily on river systems that cross national boundaries, such as the Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra. Water-sharing agreements like the Indus Waters Treaty between India and Pakistan illustrate how cooperative frameworks can endure even during political tensions. However, climate change and increasing demand place additional strain on these arrangements. Food security is linked to global commodity markets, fertilizer supply chains, and trade policies. Disruptions in global grain markets can lead to price spikes that affect millions in South Asia. Thus, human security is influenced by global economic interdependence. Ensuring stable access to food and water requires both domestic policy reforms and international coordination.

Migration and displacement are significant human security concerns in South Asia. Conflict in Afghanistan has generated refugee flows into neighboring countries. Bangladesh hosts a large population of Rohingya refugees from Myanmar, placing strain on local resources. Climate-induced displacement is also increasing, particularly in coastal and flood-prone areas. Migration has international implications, affecting diplomatic relations, border management, and labor markets. Remittances from migrant workers constitute a significant portion of GDP for countries like Nepal and Bangladesh, linking human security to global labor mobility. However, migrant workers often face exploitation and lack of legal protection. Protecting migrants’ rights is therefore both a domestic and international challenge.

Gender inequality remains a structural human security issue. Women in South Asia face barriers to education, employment, and political participation. Gender-based violence continues to be a serious concern. International norms such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) provide frameworks for reform, but implementation varies. Empowering women is not only a matter of human rights but also a strategic investment in development and stability. Studies consistently show that societies with higher gender equality experience better economic growth and lower levels of conflict. Thus, gender security is integral to the broader human security agenda.

Youth unemployment and demographic pressure add another layer of complexity. South Asia has a young population, which can be a demographic dividend if properly educated and employed. However, lack of job opportunities can lead to frustration, social unrest, or migration. Global technological changes, including automation and digitalization, reshape labor markets. International cooperation in education, technology transfer, and investment can help harness demographic potential. Without inclusive growth strategies, demographic pressures may exacerbate insecurity.

The rise of digital technologies introduces new dimensions of human security. Cybersecurity threats, misinformation, and digital surveillance affect political stability and social cohesion. Social media platforms can amplify communal tensions or spread false information during crises. At the same time, digital finance and e-governance can improve service delivery and transparency. The challenge lies in balancing technological innovation with regulatory safeguards. International norms and cooperation are increasingly important in managing cyber threats.

Environmental degradation beyond climate change, including deforestation, biodiversity loss, and air pollution, threatens long-term sustainability. Urban air pollution in South Asia is among the worst globally, contributing to millions of premature deaths. Environmental issues transcend borders, requiring regional agreements and global environmental governance mechanisms. Sustainable development goals provide a comprehensive framework linking human security to environmental protection, economic growth, and social justice.

In conclusion, human security in South Asia is deeply intertwined with international relations and global politics. The region’s challenges—poverty, climate change, conflict, health insecurity, food and water stress, migration, gender inequality, and technological disruption—cannot be addressed solely through national policies. They require regional cooperation, global partnerships, and a redefinition of security priorities. Traditional state-centric approaches remain important for maintaining sovereignty and stability, but they are insufficient to address the daily vulnerabilities faced by millions. A comprehensive human security framework recognizes that the true measure of security lies in the well-being, dignity, and empowerment of individuals. For South Asia, integrating human security into foreign policy, regional diplomacy, and global engagement is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic necessity for sustainable peace and development in the twenty-first century.