The Pandemic Threat - Descriptive Textual Analysis of West's Preparedness on Pandemic Influenza
Year: 2010
Type: dissertation
Abstract: With a broad definition of ‘security’ new areas of study has opened up; health being one of them. The Copenhagen School’s concept of securitization originates from this broadening. New and innovative methods of studying security can lead to the discovery of new issues considered potential security threats. The purpose of this thesis is to gain an understanding for how pandemic influenza is articulated as a threat by three major leaders in world politics on different levels of governance. To achieve an answer to this question a descriptive textual analysis is carried out on the core strategic documents on pandemic preparedness by these three actors. By using ideal types of national and human security, articulations were identified to what extent they resembled these extremes within IR. In the three documents, pandemic influenza is articulated as destructive with potential of killing millions of people; its uncertain nature and unique circumstances intensify the scare of pandemic influenza. Based on the Copenhagen School’s theoretical framework, it is understood as an existential threat which enables extraordinary measures to be taken.
Author: Emma Olin
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W1870040377