The purpose of this paper is to clarify some of the key normative and conceptual issues involved in the emerging new field of policy studies, Human Security. The paper briefly overviews the development of the notion since 1994 by calling attention to some of its key turning points. The paper argues that there is nothing new in the specific issues which the human security proponents consider the key to any policy coordination. It, instead, highlights the hidden agenda in promoting human security which make the endeavor something of a new enterprise. Specifically, the paper argues that the agenda － microscopic views on life, critical views toward the primacy of the state, and equally critical views toward globalization － offers an important starting point for the kind of research much needed to address and redress some of the problems that human security approach identifies.

The 21st century center of excellence program "Policy innovation initiative: human security research in Japan and Asia"