securitizationteori

Securitization theory is a concept in international relations that explains how certain issues become perceived as security threats. Developed by Barry Buzan, Ole Wæver, and Jaap de Wilde, it suggests that an issue is not inherently a security threat but rather becomes one through a process called securitization. This process involves a "securitizing actor" who, through speech acts, frames an issue as an existential threat to a referent object, such as a state, society, or the environment.

The securitizing actor uses language to persuade an audience that the threat is so severe that extraordinary measures are justified to counter it, suspending normal political procedures. This framing is crucial, as it elevates the issue beyond everyday politics. For securitization to be successful, the audience must accept the proposed threat and the necessity of extraordinary actions.

Examples of issues that have been securitized include terrorism, immigration, climate change, and economic crises. While securitization can be a powerful tool for mobilizing resources and attention to critical problems, it also carries risks. The theory highlights the potential for manipulation and the erosion of democratic norms when issues are securitized, as it can lead to the suspension of civil liberties and the justification of actions that would otherwise be deemed unacceptable. The study of securitization therefore examines both the conditions under which issues become security threats and the consequences of such securitization for political life.