Identity Security
Derek S. Reveron, Kathleen A. Mahoney-Norris · 2018
This chapter explains identity security, along with the important intertwined concepts of culture and community. It focuses on the component aspects of culture that are central to defining human identity, especially nationalism and religion, and the consequences for human security. The chapter explores how in this globalized age radical extremist leaders and groups can use the crucial aspects to their benefit, to strengthen certain communities at the expense of others. It pays particular attention to indigenous peoples because these vulnerable groups around the world share a common experience of persecution as they seek recognition of their unique identities and traditions. The fact that human beings identify themselves in a number of ways beyond their official citizenship in a particular state is a critically important piece of understanding of why so many security challenges are international, and transnational, in scope. It is clear that the processes of globalization can be viewed as both helpful and harmful in terms of identity security.