Securitisation: The Case of Post-9/11 United States Africa Policy
Journal Article
2012
Permanent link to this Item
Authors
Journal Title
Scientia Militaria: South African Journal of Military Studies
Link to Journal
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Stellenbosch
Publisher
University of Cape Town
Department
Faculty
License
Series
Abstract
In the wake of 9/11, Africa was securitised in a new way by the United States (US): weak states were believed to pose an existential threat to the US. American aid to Africa consequently more than tripled in the years following 9/11. Using the Copenhagen School's securitisation theory, we investigate the interaction between the executive branch as claimant and the US Congress as legitimiser. The factors of political agency and context are accentuated in our use of securitisation theory. Yet, the evidence also points to structural forces, especially the unequal relationship between executive and legislature.
Description
Reference:
Walker, R. E. & Seegers, A. (2012). Securitisation: The Case of Post-9/11 United States Africa Policy. Scientia Militaria: South African Journal of Military Studies, 40(2): 22-45. DOI: 10.5787/40-2-995.