The index of human insecurity.

Abstract

In the past, human security has been endangered not only by military threats, but also of resource scarcity, rapid population growth, human rights abuses, and outbreaks of infectious diseases, environmental degradation, pollution, and loss of biodiversity. As a result, the Index of Human Insecurity (IHI) was developed as a classification system that distinguishes the perception of vulnerability and insecurity of different countries. In calculating IHI, the following steps must be used: 1) establishment of complete time series for indicators and countries; 2) standardization of data; and 3) classification of data and calculation of indexes. Indicators used in IHI include the environment, economy, society, and institutions. Furthermore, the indicators used actually define the meaning of human security, compare the relative levels of insecurity, and exclude the vulnerability to natural hazards and income distribution. Comparing the efficacy of using the IHI with Human Development Index, it indicated the transparency of IHI in identifying variability in human security; stronger theoretical base of IHI to both human security and development; and the efficacy of IHI in addressing the issue of perception. To end, policy implications and future applications of IHI indicate that despite the need for constant evaluation of the index, it demonstrates a potential for measuring sustainability, development and human security.