A series of coordinated terrorist attacks by Islamic extremists across the United States on September 11, 2001, had far reaching implications beyond the immediate destruction and casualties they caused at the time. In the wake of these events, which highlighted the unpreparedness and naivety of modern Western civilisation to the threat of terrorism (Rudner 2007, … Continue reading Australian Big Brother: Critical consideration of the Australian approach to security and effects on individual liberty
Migration – Humanitarian or Security Issue?
The aim of this essay is to explore and discuss critical issues of human security with relevant application of the framework of securitization suggested by the Copenhagen School. Specifically, this essay will argue that since the end of the Cold War western governments have placed an emphasis on securitising the relocation and resettlement of victims … Continue reading Migration – Humanitarian or Security Issue?
Terrorism in Australia: A Legitimate Threat?
Following the New York City terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the subject of national security and counter-terrorism has become increasingly prevalent in western society. In Australia this prevalence has seen significant changes made to the way foreign policy is considered and written, beginning with the first Terrorism White Paper of 2004 (Department of Foreign … Continue reading Terrorism in Australia: A Legitimate Threat?
Securitisation, The Danish Way
The aim of this essay is to explore and discuss critical issues of human security with relevant application of the framework of securitisation suggested by the Copenhagen School. Specifically this essay will argue that since the end of the Cold War western governments have placed an emphasis on securitising the relocation and resettlement of victims … Continue reading Securitisation, The Danish Way
Going Danish: An Introduction to the Copenhagen School
The aim of this short essay is to introduce the Copenhagen School and social constructivism as political theories which will be analysed further in a later paper. This essay will analyse both the merits and disadvantages of the Copenhagen School and social constructivism, arguing that the theories of the Copenhagen School have the potential to … Continue reading Going Danish: An Introduction to the Copenhagen School
Neoliberalism, New Media & The Political Discourse
With the rise of convergence and social media culture the influence of mainstream media outlets in political discourse is greater than ever before. The public can now engage in live media, whilst simultaneously commentating with their peers, in a way that can influence politics like never before. With the application of theories from Harvey (2005) … Continue reading Neoliberalism, New Media & The Political Discourse
The Internet – An ideal public sphere?
The aim of this post is to explore and discuss the concept of the Internet as an ideal public sphere - defined by Holub (1991, p.3) as, "…a realm in which individuals gather to participate in open discussions. Potentially, everyone has access to it. No one enters in discourse… with an advantage over another". Over … Continue reading The Internet – An ideal public sphere?
Global Social Media: Case Study – China
Over the past few weeks I have started looking at social media and social interactions in a different light and already have found myself being more critical of its uses, Because of this, in theory, I will perhaps look at changing the way I approach the use of social media going forward. This image is … Continue reading Global Social Media: Case Study – China