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The Pandemic Threat - Descriptive Textual Analysis of West's Preparedness on Pandemic Influenza

Olin, Emma LU (2010) STVK01 20102
Department of Political Science
Abstract
With a broad definition of ‘security’ new areas of study has opened up; health being one of them. The Copenhagen School’s concept of securitization originates from this broadening. New and innovative methods of studying security can lead to the discovery of new issues considered potential security threats. The purpose of this thesis is to gain an understanding for how pandemic influenza is articulated as a threat by three major leaders in world politics on different levels of governance. To achieve an answer to this question a descriptive textual analysis is carried out on the core strategic documents on pandemic preparedness by these three actors. By using ideal types of national and human security, articulations were identified to what... (More)
With a broad definition of ‘security’ new areas of study has opened up; health being one of them. The Copenhagen School’s concept of securitization originates from this broadening. New and innovative methods of studying security can lead to the discovery of new issues considered potential security threats. The purpose of this thesis is to gain an understanding for how pandemic influenza is articulated as a threat by three major leaders in world politics on different levels of governance. To achieve an answer to this question a descriptive textual analysis is carried out on the core strategic documents on pandemic preparedness by these three actors. By using ideal types of national and human security, articulations were identified to what extent they resembled these extremes within IR.
In the three documents, pandemic influenza is articulated as destructive with potential of killing millions of people; its uncertain nature and unique circumstances intensify the scare of pandemic influenza. Based on the Copenhagen School’s theoretical framework, it is understood as an existential threat which enables extraordinary measures to be taken. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Olin, Emma LU
supervisor
organization
course
STVK01 20102
year
type
M2 - Bachelor Degree
subject
keywords
textual analysis, pandemic influenza, Copenhagen School, national security, human security
language
English
id
1758708
date added to LUP
2011-02-10 15:36:26
date last changed
2011-02-10 15:36:26
@misc{1758708,
  abstract     = {{With a broad definition of ‘security’ new areas of study has opened up; health being one of them. The Copenhagen School’s concept of securitization originates from this broadening. New and innovative methods of studying security can lead to the discovery of new issues considered potential security threats. The purpose of this thesis is to gain an understanding for how pandemic influenza is articulated as a threat by three major leaders in world politics on different levels of governance. To achieve an answer to this question a descriptive textual analysis is carried out on the core strategic documents on pandemic preparedness by these three actors. By using ideal types of national and human security, articulations were identified to what extent they resembled these extremes within IR.
In the three documents, pandemic influenza is articulated as destructive with potential of killing millions of people; its uncertain nature and unique circumstances intensify the scare of pandemic influenza. Based on the Copenhagen School’s theoretical framework, it is understood as an existential threat which enables extraordinary measures to be taken.}},
  author       = {{Olin, Emma}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{The Pandemic Threat - Descriptive Textual Analysis of West's Preparedness on Pandemic Influenza}},
  year         = {{2010}},
}