ABSTRACT
In Norway, several standards and guidelines for how to conduct security risk analysis have been published, in parallel with new functional regulations and a descaling of counterterrorism responsibility. The aim of this chapter is to discuss whether terrorism is a risk suitable for standardization. We ask whether standardization will lead to a secure society or if it can hamper security. We conclude that, although standardization of terrorism management will contribute to a more hegemonic cross-organizational and cross-sectoral risk management regime, trapping a systemic risk such as terrorism into fixed categories entails that the risk of terrorism is made predictable, value-free, and subsequently the risk of terrorism is simplified and depoliticized. Hence, standardization of terrorism risk involves paradoxes, meaning that it is not evident that standardization of terrorism risk management will lead to greater security.
