The Securitization Theory: Framework, Evolution and Reflection

This review examines the framework, evolution and major debates of securitization theory in contemporary security studies. It revisits the Copenhagen School’s formulation of securitization as a process through which issues are constructed as existential threats and legitimized through audience acceptance. The review then discusses subsequent revisions, particularly the Paris School’s emphasis on field, expertise, and institutional settings, highlighting a broader shift from discourse to practice in securitization research. It further identifies several unresolved questions concerning the assessment of securitizing moves, the role of actors’ interests, and the relationship between institutions and security practices. By tracing these foundational literature, the review reflects on the conceptual boundaries of securitization theory and identifies key challenges for its further development.