ABSTRACT

The aim of this chapter is to explicate how ‘emancipation’ is the key concept in the critical theory of counterterrorism. The discussion traces the development of the concept, and in particular the conceptualisation of emancipation-as-security. In this approach, the individual is the primary referent to be secured, and research, analysis, and praxis should be oriented towards the redressing of insecurities affecting individuals and groups in specific context. Importantly, the means we use have to be commensurate with the ends we want to achieve or pursue, so that violent means cannot bring about peaceful ends. This marks a drastic shift, or broadening, in the focus and attention of security studies, as matters of security are not confined to big politics of the state. In addition, this approach deepens the concept of security to locate it within deep politics to reflect on deeper assumptions about the nature of politics and role of conflict in political life. Of particular interest is the conceptualisation of ‘emancipation’ as a Weberian value-axiom.