Terrorism and War: Interrogating Discourses of Risk and Security

Abstract

This chapter considers two highly contested concepts within criminology which have deep resonances for the study of organized violence: risk and security. These concepts are considered through an analysis of their mobilization and deployment in relation to conflicts of war and terrorism. Focusing on the diffuse processes and practices which constitute the ‘war on terror’ post 9/11, the connections between discourse, representation and ideology are developed. Discrete examples are provided to demonstrate how the social construction of security threats by the state, media and intelligence services ideationally sanctioned the use of exceptional forms of military and legal intervention, based around the principle of pre-emption as a reasonable response to high consequence risks. In order to indicate theoretical ways into understanding the ramifications of these interventions for criminology, a selection of conceptual tools are suggested.