Human security is a relatively new concept over which there is considerable debate. This thesis presents a discussion of various debates regarding human security and peacekeeping before taking a firm stance in the debates, emphasizing the importance of investing in the human security of marginalized groups in non-Western societies.
Since the human security of the Hazara has never been researched before, this thesis represents a unique case study. It finds that there are four clearly identifiable factors which have led to a lack of investment in the Hazara: (1) the inaccessibility of their native region, the Hazarajat, (2) continued discrimination against them, (3) the militarization of aid, and (4) the top-down, donor-driven nature of aid in Afghanistan.
As a result, Afghanistan has been affected both domestically and internationally with thousands of Hazaras emigrating to other countries. This in turn emphasizes the importance of a bottom-up human security approach to peacebuilding which would require an understanding of the socio-political situation on the ground.
Annika Frantzell has a Master's degree in Global Studies and Political Science from Lund University in Sweden. Her primary research interests lie in the areas of religious terrorism and Afghanistan.
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