Securitization Theory

Securitization Theory explains how issues become recognized as urgent security threats through speech and action by political leaders or influential actors. When they declare something a security concern—such as terrorism, migration, or climate change—it elevates the issue beyond normal politics, justifying extraordinary measures. This process involves framing an issue as a threat that needs immediate, often exceptional, responses to ensure societal safety or stability. Essentially, it shows how certain problems are constructed as crises through discourse, influencing public perception and policy decisions.