Policy Coherence for Sustainable Development – A Promising Approach for Human Security in Fragile States?

Abstract

This article explores Policy Coherence for Sustainable Development (PCSD) as an operational tool to promote a sustainable future for human security. Both scientific studies and policy documents were analysed to identify theoretical and practical challenges of human security from a PCSD perspective. Comparing those findings with information from expert interviews and literature on PCSD, I argue that the added value of the concept consists in its ability to deal with contradictory political interests at different stages of political decision making. The PCSD concept allows addressing synergies and nonintended effects of policies, which is particularly important in the sensitive context of violence and political transformation. Based on the analysis, my paper develops a new framework for analysing interlinked security and development challenges in fragile regions to overcome persistent shortcomings of both the human security and the PCSD concept.