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<< ESPIRITU SANTO, Vanuatu (Apr. 29, 2011) Official guests and Santo East Primary School children assemble at the Nakamal Chief Lodge for a group photo during the opening ceremonies for the Vanuatu phase of Pacific Partnership 2011. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Tony Tolley)
By Gregory M. Noddin Poulin
Expensive weapons systems may grab headlines, but human security initiatives have a vital role to play in U.S. strategy.
Natural disaster, pandemics, abject poverty, environmental degradation – all human security issues and all a growing threat to regional and international security. Where the U.S. military has sought to respond to these challenges in the Pacific theater, the operations have shown the ability to enhance stability and security while fostering ties with regional governments.
Despite this demonstrated success, human security operations remain an underused component of U.S. diplomatic and military strategy. Funding for human security is often overlooked in favor of politically exciting weapons systems. With mandatory budget cuts, known as sequestration, the Pentagon is facing a $500 billion cut in its budget allocations over the next decade. Even with this new constraint, the military must not overlook the importance of human security.
Read the full 3 page story at The Diplomat