Volume 21 Number 3

It is well recognised that threats to human security require a coherent, integrated and sustained response in order for the least harm to be done to those under threat: this response usually entails the formulation and then implementation of some form of policy by interested or involved parties.

However, humans can be harmed by a vast range of threats, and each threat requires a different policy response from the stakeholders invested and involved in that particular threat: as such, formulating and implementing a policy response becomes a question of attributing the most suitable decisions and actions, from the appropriate national, regional and/or international body(ies), to the security threat.

Some pertinent questions must be asked, however, before an appropriate and effective policy response can be formulated and then successfully implemented. Is there agreement on the nature of the problem? In other words, is there widespread recognition that there is a problem and what its causes are? If no such agreement exists, it is questionable whether an adequate policy response is at all possible. Is the problem assessed differently by groups with different levels of involvement, different agendas for being involved, and different expectations of the outcome of the policy implementation? What is the timeframe for the policy response? Is it a short-term intervention or have arrangements been put in place for a longer-term intervention should the need arise? With implementation representing a critical aspect of the policy process, do those implementing the policy have the necessary tools at their disposal in order to be able to implement effectively?

Many of the articles in this issue of the African Security Review deal with policy responses to very different human security issues across Africa.

Romi Sigsworth (Editor)

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