The European Union, its member states and Japan differ somewhat in their approaches to human security. Most European states tend to emphasize ‘freedom from fear’. Some prefer ‘freedom to take action on one’s own behalf’ while Japan stresses ‘freedom from want’. Realists posit that these differences arise from power (a-)symmetries between the United States and its partners and/or the relative positioning of the EU and Japan vis-à-vis other powers. Liberals tend to emphasis ideational or commercial preferences in respective aid policies when explaining the commonalities and divergence between the two. Social constructivists, in turn, argue that pacifist and humanitarian self-identifications are crucial when accounting for the prominent role of Japan, the EU, its member states in this field. Drawing on this work, this paper first describes and explains the emergence of the EU institutions’ positioning on the issue. It then extends this research to EU member states. A brief comparative analysis of trends of convergence and divergence with the Japanese position is conducted. It concludes by finding significant potential for a reinvigorated human security policy by EU institutions with support from some and tolerance from most of its member states.
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