The concept of security, with its profound perceptual and cognitive dimensions, stands as a central construct in the international arena. A notable example is the evolution of Iran’s security posture in recent decades, which underscores the critical role of security as a cornerstone of national and international interests, pursued by governments and their representatives. However, a significant oversight has been the dynamic evolution of this concept in response to changing global contexts and its frequent conflation with the closely related notion of securitization. Unlike security, securitization—as explored in political science, particularly by the Copenhagen School of international relations—refers to the process of framing issues as existential threats, elevating them beyond ordinary political discourse and granting them priority and immunity from standard political processes. This distinction carries substantial implications, both domestically and internationally, as it can either strengthen or constrain the subject in question. The nuanced differentiation between security and securitization in policy formulation has tangible effects on a country’s foreign policy strategies. Conflating security with securitization can drive efforts toward regional and international integration, while neglecting security considerations may lead to aggressive, ill-considered postures with unintended consequences. This study provides a theoretical overview of this dichotomy, exploring the cognitive challenges of distinguishing between genuine security dimensions and securitization.
Research Method: Genealogy
The genealogical method, rooted in phenomenology, serves as the primary research methodology for this study. Developed by thinkers like Michel Foucault and Friedrich Nietzsche, genealogy focuses on tracing the historical development of a phenomenon, uncovering its evolving dimensions over time. While it shares phenomenological foundations with Edmund Husserl’s work, genealogy incorporates a temporal lens, offering a deeper understanding of the phenomenon’s evolution. In this study, securitization is analyzed as the central phenomenon, with Iran as the focal context. The genealogical approach anticipates the identification of recurring patterns over time, which may reveal surprising insights into the evolution of securitization.
Research Findings: Genealogy of Securitization
The transition from the illusion of a unipolar international order has led the United States to shift its competitive strategies toward the securitization of its rivals rather than traditional security measures. This strategic reorientation followed efforts to maintain its position as the sole superpower after the collapse of the bipolar world order. Despite facing pressures such as threats and sanctions, Iran has managed to enhance its security posture while imposing additional costs on adversarial nations. This dynamic is particularly evident in areas of contemporary rivalry, such as economics, industry, investment, and commerce, where securitization plays a significant role.
Conclusion
In today’s global landscape, discourse, especially in politics and foreign policy, holds unprecedented importance. Speech acts, such as creating spaces for dialogue, building consensus, and forming alliances, wield greater influence than in the past. This shift is particularly pronounced in the post-polar international order, where strategic communication has become increasingly vital. Unlike the bipolar dynamics of the Cold War, contemporary international actors cannot assume hegemonic or polarizing roles without facing significant challenges. The effectiveness of speech acts and securitization processes undertaken by political entities plays a pivotal role in shaping global interactions.
The experiences of the Islamic Republic of Iran, marked by attempts to create an unfavorable international environment and escalate the costs of its activism, offer a compelling case of securitization. These experiences highlight the intricate dynamics of security and the importance of distinguishing between navigating a security-laden landscape and contributing to a securitized space. A clear understanding of these dynamics is essential to avoid conflating security and securitization. Misinterpreting securitization efforts and responding with counterproductive measures can inadvertently reinforce security-centric activism. Historical and geographical examples, such as the responses of China and Russia to U.S. strategies, demonstrate how nuanced understanding and strategic reactions can significantly impact the effectiveness of security measures. These cases underscore the critical need for a sophisticated grasp of securitization in the contemporary international order, emphasizing the complex interplay between speech acts, security, and diplomacy.
Keywords: Securitization, Foreign policy, International Environment, Genealogy, International Relations
Download: IGQ_Volume 21_Issue 1_Pages 217-243.pdf
