Human Rights, Security Politics and Embodiment

This book challenges the securitization theory's focus on the national state apparatus by showing how institutional human rights, deemed the most progressive of rights, have been complicit in rendering the body vulnerable. It primarily focuses on the treatment of the veiled woman but also considers wider cases involving torture, which is the ultimate removal of control over one's body and the biggest transgression of human rights' foundational commitment to bodily integrity.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 05 December 2023
Publisher: Anthem Press

Securitization theory's concentration on the national state apparatus as the primary driver of security politics has resulted in the neglect of virtuous institutions, such as human rights. This book aims to challenge this assumption by demonstrating how institutional human rights, often considered the most progressive of rights, have contributed to making the body vulnerable. While the book primarily focuses on the treatment of the veiled woman, it also examines broader cases involving torture, which represent the ultimate loss of control over one's body and the most severe violation of the fundamental commitment to bodily integrity that underpins human rights.

The concept of securitization, as developed by scholars such as Barry Buzan, Ole Wæver, and Johan Gultang, has been influential in understanding the dynamics of security politics. Securitization refers to the process by which certain issues or phenomena are perceived as threats to the security of a state or society and are consequently treated as matters of national security. This approach has been particularly useful in analyzing the responses of states to terrorism, organized crime, and other threats to national security.

However, securitization theory has also been criticized for its narrow focus on the national state apparatus and its neglect of other actors and institutions that play a role in security politics. One of the criticisms of securitization theory is that it fails to recognize the role of non-state actors, such as terrorist organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and private companies, in shaping security policies and practices. Non-state actors can have significant impacts on security, particularly in the context of counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations.

Another criticism of securitization theory is that it fails to recognize the role of institutions in shaping security policies and practices. Institutional human rights, for example, are often considered the most progressive of rights and are seen as a means of promoting human dignity and protecting individuals from abuse. However, institutional human rights can also be complicit in rendering the body vulnerable.

The treatment of the veiled woman is one example of how institutional human rights can be complicit in rendering the body vulnerable. The veiled woman is a symbol of religious and cultural identity and is often subjected to discrimination and violence in many parts of the world. In some countries, women who wear the veil are prohibited from entering public spaces, such as schools, universities, and government buildings, and are even subjected to physical violence and harassment.

The veiled woman is not the only example of how institutional human rights can be complicit in rendering the body vulnerable. Torture is another example of how institutional human rights can be used to justify the violation of human rights. Torture is a cruel and inhumane practice that involves the infliction of pain and suffering on an individual to extract information or to punish them. Despite being universally condemned as a violation of human rights, torture is still used in many parts of the world, particularly in countries that are engaged in counterinsurgency operations.

Torture is not only a violation of human rights but it is also a threat to national security. Torture can create a culture of fear and repression, which can undermine the stability and security of a society. It can also lead to the recruitment of new members of terrorist organizations and other extremist groups, as individuals who have been subjected to torture may feel that they have no other recourse but to join these groups.

In conclusion, securitization theory's focus on the national state apparatus as the primary driver of security politics has resulted in the neglect of virtuous institutions, such as human rights. This book challenges this assumption by demonstrating how institutional human rights, such as the treatment of the veiled woman and torture, have contributed to making the body vulnerable. While securitization theory has been useful in analyzing the responses of states to security threats, it is important to recognize the role of non-state actors and institutions in shaping security policies and practices. It is also important to recognize the potential risks associated with the violation of human rights, such as torture, and to take steps to prevent these violations from occurring.

Weight: 160g
Dimension: 151 x 228 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839984471