ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines the main features of ‘securitisation theory’, its theoretical underpinnings and its applications. It begins by introducing the concept of securitisation and establishing its intellectual origins. After outlining the meaning of the concept of securitisation in more detail, the chapter then goes on to address the issue of how securitisation occurs at a general level, before examining the dynamics of securitisation in specific ‘sectors’ (military, environmental, economic, societal and political). Following this it discusses the related concept of ‘desecuritisation’ and several other key debates in securitisation theory. Finally, the chapter assesses the place of securitisation theory within the broader category of critical security studies.
