Sites of Modernity-Places of Risk: Risk and Security in Germany since the 1970s

Places of risk" and "sites of modernity" are social and political domains that produce energy, infrastructure, domestic security, and the state's punitive or monitory roles. This volume brings together case studies of sites of modernity that promise security and safety but are also deemed responsible for creating new risks, with a particular contemporary interest in the technocratic changes of security and risk control.

Format: Hardback
Length: 258 pages
Publication date: 14 July 2023
Publisher: Berghahn Books

“Places of risk” and “sites of modernity” encompass not only physical locations but also objects and institutions that are at the forefront of contemporary discussions on security and risk. These domains are deeply intertwined with social and political aspects, where energy and infrastructure are generated, domestic security is pursued, and citizens interact with the state in its punitive or monitory capacities. Looking at the period from the 1970s to the present, this volume brings together innovative, interdisciplinary case studies of sites of modernity that are considered both promising in terms of security and safety and yet also blamed for generating new risks. With a particular focus on the technocratic changes in security and risk control, the contributors to Sites of Modernity — Places of Risk position the 1970s as a pivotal moment in the transition from industrial to post-industrial modernity.

The concept of “places of risk” and “sites of modernity” extends beyond mere physical spaces. It encompasses a wide range of objects and institutions that play crucial roles in shaping contemporary security and risk landscapes. These domains are characterized by the production of energy and infrastructure, the pursuit of domestic security, and the interactions between citizens and the state in its punitive or monitory capacities.

When examining the period from the 1970s to the present, it becomes evident that these sites of modernity have undergone significant transformations. The contributors to this volume argue that the 1970s marked a pivotal moment in the transition from industrial to post-industrial modernity. This shift brought about significant changes in the way security and risk were conceptualized and managed.

One of the key themes explored in the volume is the role of technology in shaping security and risk. The contributors highlight how advances in technology, such as surveillance systems, biometric identification, and artificial intelligence, have transformed the way we perceive and manage security risks. They argue that while these technologies can provide valuable tools for security, they also introduce new vulnerabilities and risks.

Another important theme is the relationship between power and security. The contributors examine how power dynamics play out in these sites of modernity, particularly in relation to the state, corporations, and individuals. They explore how power inequalities, colonial legacies, and economic disparities contribute to the perpetuation of security and risk challenges.

The volume also includes case studies that examine specific sites of modernity, such as nuclear power plants, military bases, and financial centers. These case studies provide detailed insights into the challenges and risks associated with these sites, as well as the efforts made to manage and mitigate these risks.

In conclusion, “Places of risk” and “sites of modernity” represent critical social and political domains that are central to contemporary debates on security and risk. This volume brings together innovative, interdisciplinary case studies that shed light on the complex relationships between these domains and the broader social, political, and economic contexts in which they operate. By examining the 1970s as a turning point in the transition from industrial to post-industrial modernity, the contributors to this volume provide valuable insights into the changing landscape of security and risk.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781805390251