Learning objectives and brief outline

Abstract

Security has become an important feature of global health debates. This is visible in the tendency towards the security framing of diseases and in the growing concern with the potential of health problems to contribute to domestic disorder and international instability. I set out to address the health-security nexus from a different perspective. It will explore the political and emancipatory possibilities of health perspectives and initiatives, by engaging with their potential to bring about peace, reconciliation and security. I will first examine the role that can be played by health workers in scenarios of conflict. How can they help address underlying problems and factors that lead to tension and violence? I will then seek to draw lessons from different regions (like the Middle East, the Balkans and Latin America) where health initiatives contributed to laying out the conditions for peace and reconciliation between nations and between estranged communities within nations. Finally, I will examine how the framing of certain problems (like gun violence) as a public health matter can offer important contributions to reducing harm and insecurity, as well as to addressing root causes. I will conclude by reflecting on the place of health in peacemaking, peacekeeping and peacebuilding initiatives.

Learning objectives

Course participants who study the learning module will be able to

Contributor

João Nunes, Universidad Pontificia Comillas, jnunes@comillas.edu
Field of expertise: International Security, Global Health, Health Security.