Only human? A worldly approach to security. (February 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mitchell, Audra
• Is Part Of: Security dialogue. Volume 45:Number 1(2014)
• Page Start: 5
• Page End: 21
• Publication Date: 2014-02
• Subjects: anthropocentrism -- international ethics -- new materialisms -- nonhumans -- ontology -- worlds and worldliness; Security, International -- Periodicals; International relations -- Periodicals; 327.05
• DOI: 10.1177/0967010613515015
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0967-0106

Abstract

Harm does not happen to humans in isolation, but rather to worlds composed of diverse beings. This article asks how worlds and the conditions of worldliness should be framed as 'subjects of security'. It explores three possible pathways: rejecting anthropocentrism; expanding existing ethical categories; and adopting 'new materialist' ontology and ethics. Ultimately, it argues for a fusion of the key elements of each of these pathways. This offers the basis for a new concept of harm ('mundicide') specifically intended to reflect harms to worlds and the conditions of worldliness. The value of this concept is demonstrated in the light of an empirical example: the 'Rainforest Chernobyl' case. The article concludes that a worldly approach is necessary if we are to capture the full enormity of the harms confronted by international security.