Sichere Gesundheit – gesunde Sicherheit: Pandemien als objektives und subjektives (Sicherheits-)Risiko

Abstract

The outgrowths of globalization – in particular the increase in airtravel, population growth, urbanization (mega-cities), and the advancement of the human species into the tropical rainforests – have increased the likelihood of worldwide pandemic events such as SARS or swine flu (objective insecurity). In addition, international organizations and nation states also perceive themselves more vulnerable to pandemic diseases (subjective insecurity). The twin effect has resulted in an increasing social construction of bacteria and viruses as a national security threat. The securitization of health undoubtedly entails the benefit of countering such threats more effectively, yet, is also problematic if it goes together with a substantial curtailing of human- as well as citizens rights. A case in point is Singapore's fight against SARS in 2003.