McDonald, Matt. (2008) Securitization and the construction of security. European Journal of International Relations, Vol.14 (No.4). pp. 563-587. ISSN 1354-0661

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Abstract

Those interested in the construction of security in contemporary international politics have increasingly turned to the conceptual framework of `securitization'. This article argues that while an important and innovative contribution, the securitization framework is problematically narrow in three senses. First, the form of act constructing security is defined narrowly, with the focus on the speech of dominant actors. Second, the context of the act is defined narrowly, with the focus only on the moment of intervention. Finally, the framework of securitization is narrow in the sense that the nature of the act is defined solely in terms of the designation of threats. In outlining this critique, the article points to possibilities for developing the framework further as well as for the need for those applying it to recognize both limits of their claims and the normative implications of their analysis. I conclude by pointing to how the framework might fit within a research agenda concerned with the broader construction of security.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	J Political Science > JZ International relations
Divisions:	Faculty of Social Sciences > Politics and International Studies
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Wæver, Ole, 1960-, Security, International -- Research, International relations -- Research, Security, International -- History, Security, International -- Study and teaching
Journal or Publication Title:	European Journal of International Relations
Publisher:	Sage Publications Ltd.
ISSN:	1354-0661
Date:	December 2008
Volume:	Vol.14
Number:	No.4
Page Range:	pp. 563-587
Identification Number:	10.1177/1354066108097553
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Access rights to Published version:	Restricted or Subscription Access
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URI:	http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/id/eprint/1232

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