Security and securitization: Copenhagen and beyond

Abstract

Security is strictly linked to the possibility of adopting exceptional measures within the framework of decision-making processes transcending normal political processes. However, an exploration of the evolution of the security concept challenges the premises of its exceptionality, and brings attention to its contextual elements. The Copenhagen school has greatly contributed to this exploration and it has focused on securitization, that is the process through which security threats are identified and exceptional measures in response are legitimized. After having highlighted the evolution of the security concept, the article presents the securitization proposal of the Copenhagen school and points out its limits and potentialities. ; Security is strictly linked to the possibility of adopting exceptional measures within the framework of decision-making processes transcending normal political processes. However, an exploration of the evolution of the security concept challenges the premises of its exceptionality, and brings attention to its contextual elements. The Copenhagen school has greatly contributed to this exploration and it has focused on securitization, that is the process through which security threats are identified and exceptional measures in response are legitimized. After having highlighted the evolution of the security concept, the article presents the securitization proposal of the Copenhagen school and points out its limits and potentialities.