Security in Translation

Security in Translation proposes an innovative way to capture the evolution, spread and local transformation of threat images in world affairs. Reworking traditional securitization theory, this book develops a coherent new framework for analysis that makes securitization theory applicable to empirical studies. Part I offers a detailed discussion of securitization theory, theories of discourse and the translation of threat images in world affairs and suggests an alternative reading and conceptualization of processes of securitization. Part II applies these reflections to the genesis and spread of the threat images of 'organized crime' and 'rogue states' from the US to Germany. The analysis includes a historical genealogy of both threat images as well as detailed readings of the official German, American and European debates and policies. Combining an advanced introduction to securitization theory and discourse analysis with an innovative new framework for analysis, this book promises to be essential reading for scholars of securitization studies, discourse analysis as well as German, American and German-American security affairs.