“Research Security” in Germany and the United States: Shifting Governance of Scientific Collaboration Under Geopolitical Pressure

ABSTRACT Amid shifting geopolitical tensions, the notion of “research security” has become an increasingly prominent concern in science policy. This paper analyzes how research security is framed and operationalized in Germany and the United States using discourse analysis and securitization theory. The findings show that growing attention to research security does not necessarily imply securitization. Instead, the distinction between ordinary and extraordinary measures—and the role of the target audience—proves crucial in understanding divergent national approaches. The analysis also points to potential cross‐national implications, as tightening research security standards in major national science and higher education systems may influence patterns of international collaboration and policy diffusion.