ABSTRACT
This chapter elucidates key dimensions of a reflexive governance regime. First, in the context of the emerging 'civil security' paradigm in Europe, security is described as a wicked problem par excellence. Then, the chapter goes over to the problematique of the elusive evidence base for security policy. Secrecy around 'sensitive' security-relevant data, make policies vulnerable to ideological arbitrariness and to particularistic interests. Next, it turns to the dimensions of reflexiveness for security (research) policy. The chapter highlights that codified as mandatory for EU-level policies, regulatory impact assessments (RIAs) should consider the effects of a certain policy in economic, environmental, and social aspects, and also comply with sustainability and fundamental rights principles. The chapter presents a strong plea for putting an anticipatory governance regime for security in place, focusing particularly on security research as a proactive, high-risk/high-gain domain of public policy. It concludes with an outlook on the prerequisites for a responsive and responsible security research policy.
