Human security in South America

Abstract

This article offers an analysis of the concept and application of human security in the South American context, particularly in the Colombia-Brazil relations. Beginning with an analysis of international security, the authors offer a general view of the change in orientation of the concept of security ever since the United Nations imprinted integrality to the concept by expanding it to the various regions. As a specific subject of study, the article develops a historical and qualitative analysis of security in the border zone between Colombia and Brazil. Likewise, it focuses on the construction of an analytical reflection of the foreign policies of both states and their application in the Amazon region and the border in particular. Finally, it concludes that there is great distance in the application of the concept of security between South America and other regions, and at the same time identifies unusual situations within the institutional framework for the border zone between Colombia and Brazil, especially regarding the application of human security. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]