ABSTRACT

Over the past 20 years, the debate over the depth and reach of human security has questioned our understanding of security in general. While the roots of human security dovetail with broader understandings of popular sovereignty and the responsibility of a state to its population at large, the concept itself provides decision-makers and academics a way to operationalise this broader understanding in developing effective responses to emergent challenges that affect the well-being of peoples the world over. East Asia is no different in this sense, but the particular case studies contained in this edited volume not only add context to our understanding of the state of human security, but also illustrate well the mutually reinforcing nature of the seven components of human security (Chapter 1, p. 5). Indeed, the focus on East Asia is a pertinent region to study irregular migration because of its shared historical legacy of migration, coupled with the emergent nation state often appearing in juxtaposition. Often, we see populations and groups of people move into and out of legal frameworks as the leaders of nation states seek to define their place within the international system. The focus of this book on the irregular dimension to migration is essentially one that identifies people who fall outside legal frameworks, experience human insecurity and respond to these challenges in a plethora of ways. While irregular migrants often choose the routes they do in search of a more sustainable and peaceful life, it is an unpredictable path.