Securitization Flashcards
(23 cards)
What is the traditional focus of security?
Military threats to the state
What is the non-traditional focus of security?
Issues like health, environment, migration, etc.
What does securitization frame non-traditional issues as?
Substantial/existential threats
What is the primary interest of securitization theory?
Security as a process
What key text introduced the concept of securitization as a speech act?
Security: A New Framework for Analysis (Buzan, Wæver and De Wilde, 1997)
What is a speech act in the context of securitization theory?
Declaring something a security threat creates urgency
What does securitization theory argue about security?
Security is not an objective given but an outcome of social and discursive processes
What term describes the entity needing protection in securitization theory?
Referent object
What is a securitizing actor?
Who can make something a security issue by speaking of it thus
What is the definition of securitization?
The process of declaring an issue as an existential threat through a speech act
What are the components of the securitization process?
- Speech Act
- Referent Object
- Audience Acceptance
- Extraordinary measures
What does the quote ‘danger is not an objective condition’ imply?
Danger exists in relation to those it threatens
What is an application of securitization theory in contemporary issues?
Framing of climate change as an existential threat
What policy responses were justified through securitization during the COVID-19 pandemic?
- Lockdowns
- Travel restrictions
- Emergency laws
What critical question arises regarding the effectiveness of securitization during COVID-19?
Did securitization help or hinder effective responses to COVID-19?
What effect does securitization have on issues?
Brings urgency to issues and focuses attention and resources
What can securitization lead to regarding power?
Abuse of power or excessive control
What is a criticism of securitization theory?
Overemphasis on language and discourse
What question arises regarding the reversal of securitization?
How is securitization reversed?
What does securitization theory open questions about?
Power dynamics in framing issues as security
What is a key discussion question regarding securitization theory?
What does securitization theory contribute to IR?
Fill in the blank: Securitization is mainly a _______.
speech act
Who benefits from the framing of an issue as a security issue?
Power dynamics often privilege certain voices
