A GLOBAL SECURITY APPROACH TOWARDS IMPLEMENTING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN SOUTHERN AFRICA

An interactive and incremental developmental approach to sustainable d evelopment is proposed. It requires broad public participation, is bas ed on the development of a shared value system for civic society and n orms which determine the behaviour of states. It is aimed at building commitment rather than directing change. This is achieved by simultane oulsy harnessing the notions of 'positive human survival' adopted from Global Security theory and a co-evolutionary approach to human socio- economic constructs. Modern threats to Nation States can be regarded a s 'threats without enemies', are not compatible with traditional views of sovereignty, and confronting such threats frequently requires co-o perative behaviour and good neigbourliness from states. Principles lik ely to underpin an evolving shared value system for Nation states and civil society include: democracy, equity and diversity. In order to de al with the uncertainty of evolving socioeconomic constructs and the c onceptual pluralism inherent in modern societies, public agencies need to develop significant mediation, negotiation and facilitation skills . This view has significant implications for National and Regional pol icy, and the democratisation of information and the development of ear ly warning capabilities about potential threats to human security are pivotal.