Visiting Canadian Fellow Dr Robert Jackson will examine global politics and the changing nature of security including children in armed conflict, at a seminar at Griffith University today (March 28).
In his presentation, Dr Jackson from the University of Redlands, California will discuss new security dilemma and globalisation.
“The old security issues refer basically to state security and how states maintain their significance in the world,” he said.
“The new security issues and dilemmas are about how states and societies are affected by non- state actors such as networks of terrorists and others who would harm people around the world.”
He says while new security issues are not as developed they are central to an understanding of global politics today and vital for achieving a secure future for all.
“The most serious threats today include the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, armed conflict in Tunisia, Egypt, and other Arab countries, internal wars in Central Africa and elsewhere, world-wide terrorist networks, climate change and more.
“At the same time, new developments in conflict and security have had a major impact on the ‘institutionalisation’ of state security structures, including the development of anti-terrorist co-operation and initiatives for homeland security and vital infrastructures.
“They have also resulted in the adoption of new techniques of warfare – including the use of drones, robots and miniaturised weapons in some locations while other areas remain lodged in primitive low-tech weaponry.
“The changes include the impacts of high-tech and social-networking at one extreme and the use of suicide-bombers and child soldiers at the other.
“But while conflict, security and global governance continue to evolve, the vulnerability of children does not.”
Dr Jackson is the Fletcher Jones Professor of Government at the University of Redlands in California.
He also holds the positions of Distinguished Research Professor of Political Science at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada and Life Member/Visiting Fellow, Clare Hall and Centre of International Studies University of Cambridge, England.
He has recently been appointed as an associate Fellow in International Security at Chatham House (Royal Institute of International Affairs), London.
Dr Jackson has served as a Senior Policy Advisor to two former Canadian Prime Ministers, a Deputy Prime Minister, worked in the Privy Council Office (Cabinet Office) and has been a member of the Advisory Board of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade as well as many other government agencies.