Energy securitisation: avenues for future research

Judge, A. , Maltby, T. and Szulecki, K. (2017) Energy securitisation: avenues for future research. In: Szulecki, K. (ed.) Energy Security in Europe: Divergent Perceptions and Policy Challenges. Series: Energy, climate and the environment. Palsgrave Macmillan, pp. 149-173. ISBN 9783319649634 (doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-64964-1_6)

Abstract

In this chapter we identify some key areas for future research on “energy securitization” through both an examination of what Securitization Studies could learn from the study of energy issues and what insights could be drawn from theoretical developments within Securitization Studies for the study of energy security. After a brief overview of the strengths and weaknesses of the Copenhagen School framework, we outline several possibilities within two main strands of research—the discursive construction of energy security and the process of energy securitization, respectively. In the case of the former, we suggest that research should focus on the question of whether or not energy is a distinct “sector” of security, and whether it is constituted by “logics” of security that depart from the Copenhagen School’s conception of securitization. In the case of the latter, we suggest that greater attention should be paid to the audiences of attempts to securitize energy issues, and the ways in which such attempts are shaped by power relations, systems of energy governance, and the “materiality” of energy systems. We conclude with some reflections on the causal status of securitization theory and the implications this has for how to conduct further research on energy securitization.

• Item Type: Book Sections
• Status: Published
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Judge, Dr Andrew
• Authors: Judge, A., Maltby, T., and Szulecki, K.
• Subjects: J Political Science > JZ International relations
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Politics
• Publisher: Palsgrave Macmillan
• ISBN: 9783319649634
• Published Online: 14 October 2017
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2018 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Energy Security in Europe: Divergent Perceptions and Policy Challenges: 149-173
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher