ABSTRACT
As a result of the transformations experienced by the international system since the end of the Cold War, we have witnessed a complete transformation – and expansion – of the security agenda. The range of issues considered as possible security challenges has grown enormously, largely as a consequence of the identification of new security actors.
In this context, we have witnessed the progressive securitisation – or inclusion amongst the issues considered security matters – of numerous issues that elites believe should be considered as security challenges. This allow elites to take exceptional measures that would not be acceptable if they were dealing with normal political issues.
Amongst the new securitised issues, health issues should be included, especially the possible spread of infectious diseases and the growing emergence of epidemics and pandemics. As a result of this new approach to health issues, international health structures, notably the World Health Organization and the International Health Regulations, have been updated and strengthened.
It is on this basis that the different epidemics and pandemics that have arisen in recent years have been managed. However, the truly global nature of COVID-19 and the enormous implications of the measures adopted, especially in the case of democratic states – above all the EU member states – suggests a need for a much more restrictive use of health securitisation and the measures it allows. Similarly, an improvement in international governance that ensures greater representation of citizens in intergovernmental organisations and greater influence of states on the decisions adopted by these organisations with a view to the management of emergency situations is needed.
