The Regional Dimension of Human Security. Lessons from the European Union and Other Regional Organisations

A paradigm shift has occurred during the first decade of the 21st century in which nation states and intergovernmental organizations are no longer the sole providers of public goods nor the corner stones of international order. Today, sub-national and regional entities as well as nongovernmental organizations also play major roles. This period has also seen the appearance of new global security threats. In consequence of these two developments it is essential to rethink the concept of security in such a way that it goes beyond a state-centred approach.