Copenhagen School

The Copenhagen School is a theory in international relations that explains how countries identify and respond to security threats. It emphasizes that security is not just about military power but also involves political, economic, and societal considerations. The school highlights that concepts of threat and security are socially constructed—meaning they depend on how actors perceive situations—shaped by discourse, interests, and context. A key idea is "securitization," where leaders frame issues as urgent security threats, justifying extraordinary measures. Overall, it shows that security is about perception, which influences actions and policies in international affairs.