Characterizing situations in ASEAN cities: Using the Human Security Index

The Human Security Index discussed in Hastings (2013a, this issue) can help assess situations and strategize (1) improved and fair competitiveness, (2) benefits from regional cooperation, and (3) improved individual and community well-being. ASEAN countries are compared here with global peers, and with each other - with respect to well-being situations in their cities and other communities. ASEAN leaders tend to lag some of their global peers in delivery of Human Security and well-being - where lower-income ASEAN countries tend to slightly lead their global peers in such outcomes. Further, a prototype HSI for Thailand is presented and discussed for situations in its cities and their surrounding territories. City-provincial situations are seen to be highly diverse, with some relatively poor (in monetary income) provinces leading in home ownership and other factors in Human Security. Formulation of HSIs for additional ASEAN countries, preferably at district-town levels, will likely increase our understandings of the concept and situations of well-being versus vulnerability in cities of such countries. Such exercises could lead to evolving better strategies for national - including urban - development planning and also help monitoring impacts of sustainable development initiatives.