Introduction -
Liberia has a tumultuous history marked by conflict, but it is currently in a phase of reconstruction. we aim to understand the interconnectedness of security, gender dynamics, and societal structure in Liberia. Ole Waever's securitization theory questions the usual way we think about security and suggests that everyone should be involved in making decisions and that there should be fairness between genders. This idea is especially important in Liberia because traditional views about men and women mix with how the country is governed. Lene Hansen's critique of the Copenhagen School highlights the necessity of incorporating feminist perspectives into security discourse, emphasizing their relevance in addressing gendered security challenges. Additionally, the PARIS School's biopolitical approach sheds light on the complex interplay between governance, population dynamics, and security strategies in Liberia.
By examining these aspects through the lenses of feminism, security, biopolitics different approaches, etc. By focusing on women's rights and governmental control, we aim to gain a deeper understanding of Liberia's security situation. In Liberia, traditional gender norms are deeply ingrained in society, shaping social power dynamics. These norms extend into key domains like politics, economics, and religion, exerting significant influence over the lives of women and girls. Within this framework, the exposure of women and children to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) is heightened during times of crisis, including economic downturns, Ebola epidemics, and COVID-19 outbreaks. These disasters make existing vulnerabilities worse, making the dangers for women and children even bigger. Thus, the intersection of traditional gender norms and broader societal structures plays a pivotal role in perpetuating gender inequalities and increasing the likelihood of SGBV occurrences.
In the context of Liberia, various issues have been securitized in the country's security discourse, such as the legacy of war crimes, economic instability, and political corruption. For example, the recent push for a War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia demonstrates how the government and society have securitized the need for justice and accountability to address past atrocities and ensure stability. In March 2021, a significant milestone was reached in Liberia's pursuit of justice and reconciliation with the passing of a resolution by the Liberian House of Representatives to establish a War and Economic Crimes Court. This resolution, supported by the Senate, including former warlords turned senators Prince Yormie Johnson and Thomas Yaya Nimely, signifies a collective commitment to addressing past atrocities and ensuring accountability for war crimes committed during Liberia's civil war. The decision to establish the War and Economic Crimes Court represents a securitization of justice within Liberia's security discourse. The government and society have made establishing the court seem very important because they believe it will help solve past problems, bring people together, and stop future issues. This making a big deal about security shows that people understand that problems from the past can make it hard to have peace and stability. Going to court to get justice doesn't just punish people for what they did, it also helps make sure Liberia stays peaceful and safe for a long time.
Securitization theory emerged in the post-Cold War era as a synthesis between traditional military security analysis and the broader perspective advocated by the Aberystwyth School. It seeks to redefine security in terms of survival against existential threats, aligning with realism's perspective. Lene Hansen's critique of securitization theory shows how traditional security stories ignore how gender affects security. This makes it seem like only men's problems matter when dealing with threats. However, the feminist viewpoint on security in Liberia can change this. It helps include everyone, not just men, in deciding how to keep things safe. Women activists like Leymah Gbowee, through their involvement in movements such as the Women of Liberia Mass Action for Peace, exemplify the significant impact of women in conflict resolution and peacebuilding efforts. Their advocacy not only challenges existing power structures but also highlights the crucial role of gender equality and women's rights in fostering sustainable peace and security. For example, In Liberia, healthcare access intersects with security concerns, notably evidenced by the persistence of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) despite legislative efforts. This harmful practice violates women's rights and poses health risks, reflecting challenges in enforcing protective laws. Moreover, low contraceptive usage suggests barriers to reproductive healthcare access, perpetuating societal inequalities and limiting women's autonomy. Gender-based violence, particularly domestic violence, remains prevalent, Poverty and ineffective legal systems make things worse, increasing the dangers women face and making them less safe. One of the most significant outbreaks occurred in 2014 during the West African Ebola virus epidemic, which affected multiple countries including Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone. Liberia was one of the hardest-hit countries during this epidemic, with thousands of cases and deaths reported. The outbreak had severe social, economic, and health impacts on Liberia, leading to widespread fear, stigmatization, and disruption of healthcare services.
According to Foucault, biopolitics refers to the processes by which human life, at the level of the population, emerged as a distinct political problem in Western societies. The biopolitical viewpoint provides a deep way to look at how governance, managing the population, and security strategies are connected in Liberia. By examining how the regulation and control of populations intersect with state preservation, we can better understand the dynamics at play in security governance. This perspective highlights how security measures are not only about protecting the state but also about managing and controlling populations for the state's benefit. Achille Mbembe's exploration of necro politics provides a foundational understanding of how power dynamics influence life and death decisions, shaping security practices in Liberia. As the concept of biopower was articulated by Michel Foucault, it further emphasizes the control exerted over populations and the conditions under which the right to life or death is exercised.
During the Ebola outbreak in Liberia in 2014, the country's response exemplified the application of biopolitics and the PARIS School approach in managing a public health crisis with significant security implications. The government's actions to address the epidemic involved not only safeguarding the population's health and well-being but also considering the broader security implications of the outbreak. The regulation and control of populations became essential in containing the spread of the virus and preserving the state's stability and functionality. At the same time, these actions were intertwined with efforts to maintain social order, prevent potential unrest, or panic, and ensure the continuity of essential services. The response to the Ebola outbreak in Liberia highlighted the intricate relationship between governance, population management, and security strategies, showcasing how these aspects intersect and influence each other in times of crisis.
In contemporary Liberia, security governance is confronted with a myriad of challenges that necessitate an inclusive approach to address them effectively. One significant challenge lies in the deeply entrenched gender norms and attitudes toward emotional expression, as revealed by a study conducted by the Swedish Embassy in Monrovia in 2019. The study found a significant gender gap in attitudes toward emotional expression, with most female respondents believing that "Men should not demonstrate emotions," compared to male respondents who shared similar beliefs. By integrating insights from studies on gender norms and women's roles in politics and peacebuilding, Liberia can enhance its security governance by adopting a more inclusive and gender-sensitive approach. Recognizing and challenging deeply rooted gender norms is essential for promoting gender equality and women's empowerment, which are fundamental to achieving sustainable peace and security in Liberia.
Conclusion-
In conclusion, the security situation in Liberia is deeply affected by both feminist and biopolitical viewpoints, providing important insights into how security is governed. Integrating these lenses presents an opportunity for Liberia to develop a more inclusive and effective security governance framework responsive to diverse population needs. Feminist perspectives stress gender inclusivity in security policies, evident in the activism of figures like Leymah Gbowee, challenging traditional norms. Meanwhile, biopolitical considerations highlight the complexities of governance and security strategies, particularly evident during public health crises such as the Ebola outbreak. Combining these perspectives is essential for Liberia to navigate security challenges comprehensively and promote inclusive governance.
Suggestion –
Liberia should collaborate with health organizations and community groups to develop safety measures that safeguard individuals while preserving their rights. Incorporating feminist perspectives and considering biopolitical factors is crucial in devising effective security strategies. Engaging with diverse stakeholders, including women's rights advocates and governmental bodies, ensures inclusive decision-making. These steps will enable Liberia to effectively manage security challenges, promote gender equality, uphold human rights, and enhance security governance.
References –
1. Howell, A., & Richter-Montpetit, M. (2020). Is securitization theory racist? Civilizationism, methodological whiteness, and antiblack thought in the Copenhagen School. Security Dialogue, 51(1), 3-22. https://doi.org/10.1177/0967010619862921
2. Wæver O (1995) Securitization and DE securitization. In: Lipshutz R (ed.) On Security. New York: Columbia University Press, 46–87.
3. Hansen L (2000) The Little Mermaid’s silent security dilemma and the absence of gender in the Copenhagen School. Millennium: Journal of International Studies 29(2): 285–306.
4. The History of Sexuality Volume I: An Introduction by Michel Foucault
5. Necro politics Achille Mbembe Translated by Libby Meintjes
6. Securitization and DE securitization by Ole Wæver
7. Embassy of Sweden in Liberia 2010-2020
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