Biosecurity, as a Field of Study and as a Reality in International Relations Cover Image

Biosecuritatea, ca domeniu de studiu și ca realitate în relațiile internaționale
Biosecurity, as a Field of Study and as a Reality in International Relations

Author(s): Henrieta Anișoara Șerban
Subject(s): International relations/trade, Politics and society
Published by: EDITURA INSTITUTULUI DE ȘTIINȚE POLITICE ȘI RELAȚII INTERNAȚIONALE ”Ion I. C. Brătianu”
Keywords: biosecurity; biosafety; biorisk management; human security; international relations;

Summary/Abstract: The paper discusses the conceptual sphere of the term biosecurity, which is interpreted in a very narrow perspective, while it should be comprehended in a more complex one. Any discussion about security implies at present considering both the dimensions of human security and biosecurity. This is a theoretical and practical political reality, too. As a field, International Relations already included several distinct components regarding human security. However, currently, the definition of biosecurity is disconnected from “human security”, a fact which we consider to be wrong. The definition of biosecurity concerns solely the regulations for the misuse of biological materials manipulation, diversion, release, theft and loss. In our interpretation, though, the big picture of biosecurity should be approached both from the authorities’ perspective and from the user’s perspective, as well as from the perspective of the people and from the perspective of the individual, too. A closely related concept is biosafety, regarding mostly the protection of public health and environment from accidental exposure to biological agents. The two concepts are considered to give the main dimensions of the biorisk management.

  • Issue Year: XVII/2020
  • Issue No: 2
  • Page Range: 77-88
  • Page Count: 12
  • Language: Romanian