Security After the Unthinkable: Terror and Disenchantment in Norway

This book builds a theoretical perspective for explaining what security remains after the security event, studying the evolution of security thinking before, during, and after the 2011 terrorist attack in Utøya and Oslo, Norway. It develops a general theory of security that contributes to ongoing debates on non-military security, asymmetric warfare, ontological security, and human security. It revisits the nature of terrorism, the sense of its practice, and re-conceptualises the way counter- and anti-terrorism are embedded in social, cultural, and national consciousness.

Format: Hardback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 27 February 2024
Publisher: Manchester University Press

This book offers a comprehensive theoretical framework for understanding the security implications that persist after a security event. It delves into a detailed examination of the evolution of security thinking before, during, and after the 2011 terrorist attacks in Utøya and Oslo, Norway. By tracking the political discourse and institutional responses, the book seeks to develop a theory of "terror and disenchantment." This theory contributes to ongoing discussions on non-military security, asymmetric warfare, ontological security, and human security. It also revisits the nature of terrorism, the sense of its practice, and re-conceptualizes the way counter- and anti-terrorism are embedded in social, cultural, and national consciousness.

The book begins by exploring the historical context of security thinking, tracing its development from ancient times to the present. It examines the various theories and paradigms that have shaped security discourse, including realism, liberalism, and constructivism. The author argues that these theories have limitations and that a more holistic approach is necessary to address the complex challenges of contemporary security.

In the aftermath of the 2011 terrorist attacks, the book examines the political discourse and institutional reactions in Norway. It analyzes the ways in which the attacks were framed and the responses they elicited from the government, the media, and the public. The author argues that the attacks exposed deep-seated vulnerabilities in Norwegian society and that the response was characterized by a combination of fear, insecurity, and a desire for revenge.

Through the analysis of the political discourse and institutional reactions, the book develops a general theory of security that encompasses both military and non-military dimensions. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying causes of security threats, such as poverty, inequality, and political instability. The theory also explores the role of institutions in promoting security, including the military, the police, and the judiciary.

The book also revisits the nature of terrorism and the sense of its practice. It challenges the traditional understanding of terrorism as a purely military phenomenon and argues that it is embedded in social, cultural, and national consciousness. The author suggests that counter- and anti-terrorism efforts should be integrated into broader social and cultural initiatives to address the root causes of terrorism.

In conclusion, this book offers a valuable contribution to the field of security studies. It provides a comprehensive theoretical framework for understanding the security implications that persist after a security event. By examining the evolution of security thinking, the political discourse, and institutional reactions, the book develops a theory of "terror and disenchantment" that contributes to ongoing debates on non-military security, asymmetric warfare, ontological security, and human security. It also revisits the nature of terrorism and re-conceptualizes the way counter- and anti-terrorism are embedded in social, cultural, and national consciousness. The book is a must-read for scholars, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the complex challenges of contemporary security.

Weight: 602g
Dimension: 163 x 242 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526166340