2nd SECUREU Conference
Identities, Ontological (In)Securities and the Politics of (De)Securitisation of Migrants and Ethnic Minorities
October 6-7, 2022 | University of Glasgow
Access the final program here.
The conference builds upon the SECUREU Opening Symposium held at IBEI, Barcelona, on 25- 26 November 2021. The principal focus will be to further explore one of the cross-cutting themes that emerged prominently from the Symposium: the theme of identity and ontological security, though other themes are also possible (these are listed at the end of the call).
Concerns linked to ontological security can trigger narratives of ‘us’ versus ‘them’ (or ‘friends’ versus ‘enemies’). While identity is not monolithic or fixed, it can often be constructed in a manner that suppresses multiple identities in favour of the notion of a hierarchically superior national identity. A particular version of identity can be construed as ‘legitimate’ through the actions of the power- holders. However, as it was stressed at the opening symposium, securitisation is not inevitable in diverse societies: (de)securitisation processes are driven by specific understandings of identities, national narratives and/or historical collective memories.
The conference takes further the discussions on ontological security and the nexus migration/minorities-security-identity. We wish to explore, in particular:
- when, how and by whom identity is legitimated
- the agency and “actorness” of securitised minorities and their need for ontological
- security
- the relationship between minorities’ ontological insecurity and state’s ontological
- security
- processes of countersecuritization
Prominent sub-themes are vernacular security, resistance to securitisation by minorities (as a form of countersecuritisation), and the promotion of minority rights. Indeed, the opening symposium highlighted the need for further research in investigating how the active contestation by minorities and the promotion of minority rights (including by minorities themselves) impact each side’s ontological security. Further research could develop concrete solutions for minorities and majorities to be able to enjoy ontological security simultaneously.
Under the overarching theme of ontological security and identity, the event will also acknowledge and leave open the possibility of contributing to one of the other cross-cutting themes from the Opening Symposium, namely:
Turning points: This theme treats securitisation as a dynamics process; it highlights moments of change (turning points) that lead to the initiation of securitisation, the intensification of securitisation or a shift to desecuritisation.
Power structures: This theme embeds securitisation in the power structures within which it takes place. It calls for examination of the link between diversity, or the historical management of diversity, and ontological security and securitisation. This sub-theme focuses attention towards more historical and structural conditions to understand processes of securitisation and particularly, ontological insecurity.
New forms of “othering”: This theme explores new forms of “othering” such as biometric borders and surveillance, and also how groups can be divided into “us” and “them” by abstract concepts such as trustworthiness. The theme also includes “othering” by space and the links between spatial dimensions and spatial access and securitisation.
Historical traumas and securitisation, the role of memory: This theme brings emotions, memories, and historical experiences in the understanding of securitisation processes. It emphasizes the importance of considering the role of emotions and the “primitive” instinct behind securitisation.
Contacts:
Federica Prina (University of Glasgow) – Federica.Prina@glasgow.ac.uk
Rusudan Zabakhidze (CES) – zabakhidze@ces-europe.org
