Sponsors

The goals of the project are to find out whether Canadian experiences with Human Security (HS) and with the EU-Canada dialogue on Human Security have led to successful cooperation or to a divergence of opinions and whether they can lead to an extension of the topics of the Human Security dialogue between the EU and Canada and whether Human Security can also become a more prominent part of a future EU foreign policy. The research is carried out by an international multi-disciplinary team of eight distinguished scholars, representing Canadian Studies, Cultural Studies, European Studies, Political Science, and Sociology, who will cooperate with policy makers, NGO activists, and journalists.

Specific research questions are: What is the differentia specifica of the notion of Human Security in difference from other related concepts, especially "national security" and "international security"? What are the roles of individual and society in these concepts? How did the concept emerge? What are the objections? What is the relation between Human Security and Global Governance? What does Human Security imply in the context of Canadian foreign policy? What does Human Security imply for the current European Acommon foreign and security policy ? What is the "Human Security Network (HSN)"? What are the obligations of its member-states? Are there differences between EU-members and non-members within the "Human Security Network"? What is the role of the UN? What were the subjects of EU-Canada negotiations on Human Security? What were the results? Is there a discussion about Human Security in regard to EU enlargement? Is there a role of Human Security in the debate about an EU constitution? To which extent can Human Security become a more prominent part of a future Canadian and/or EU foreign policy? Or will its importance decrease? Answers to these questions will be found in the content analysis of official documents, scholarly publications, press materials and Internet resources as well as in qualitative interviews with experts and diplomats.

Current developments will also be considered. Bilateral relations of one of the partners will also be analysed (such as Canada-US relations or relations with EU members of the Human Security or with a non-EU member of the HS network, which turned into an EU member after EU enlargement on May 1, 2004).

The rhythm of the project will be marked by one workshop in Berlin in March 2005 (State of the Project) , one international conference and workshop in Toronto in June 2005 (Presentation to the Public), and by one concluding workshop (Conclusions) in Berlin and Toronto in November 2005.