Security Studies and the `Security State': Security Provision in Historical Context

In: International relations: the journal of the David Davies Memorial Institute of International Studies, Band 17, Heft 2, S. 135-151

Abstract

The role of historical change in international relations has been an important issue, especially regarding the `ahistoricism' of mainstream theories. In this context, security studies has suffered from a lack of analysis of the state and its relation to historical change. When this attitude is challenged, it can be seen that the particular `state' of security studies fits into a particular historical logic that structured states which is susceptible to change. A historical sociological analysis of the development of the state-society complexes surrounding security can provide a historical analysis of the state, in order to better articulate its continuing relevance to political life and security, its relationship with individuals and society, and the complexities of contemporary citizenship. The 20th century saw the development of the `security state', where the western state became the centre of security provision, the protector against external threat and provider of domestic well-being.