The Macrosecuritization of Antimicrobial Resistance in Asia

This article has two objectives. Drawing on the framework providedby macrosecuritization, this article first explores global responses toAMR. Secondly, in shifting the analytical lens to Asia, the article thenevaluates how successful this process has been in a regional context.Considering the two objectives, two inter-related arguments areproposed. First, even though AMR can be considered aquintessential and successful macrosecuritization case at theglobal level, within Asia the operationalisation of AMR strategies islimited by power and resource politics within the states. Second,the anthropocentric nature of health security is limited when itcomes to address the threat posed by AMR. Overcoming thislimitation requires a One Health approach. However, thesuccessful articulation of this approach has proven challenging inAsia where middle-level actors pull away from the process inpursuit of other agendas. As a result, while macrosecuritizationprovides a useful tool for understanding how AMR and similarhealth threats are addressed, it is necessary to understand thelocal realities within which the process is embedded