Citation

Fabra Mata J. J. Hum. Secur. 2008; 4(1): 37-47.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Librello Publishing)

DOI

10.3316/JHS0401037

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Although securitisation theory with its focus on the process of making security has acquired an increasingly prominent role in security debates worldwide, some aspects of it are still poorly researched. This article seeks to examine in depth one of the weakly analysed constituents of the securitisation theory: that is, the nature of the securitising actor and the role of state representatives. The dynamics of competition over securitisation will be discussed, taking Colombia as a case study. In that context, the discursive practices of both the current government and the Colombian Platform for Human Rights, Democracy and Development (PHRDD), as one of its possible civil counterparts, will be analysed. As will be shown, the Colombian state and this non-state actor compete over securitisation, with a shared referent object, democracy, but approached from what has been named national security on the one hand, and human security on the other. Both actors, however, seem to avoid radical distinction when securitising, appropriating some elements of the other part. From these two securitising actors will arise the question of legitimacy and the possible conditions for grading the right to securitise, as well as considerations on internal effects.