The National security policy of the Russian Federation: A case for broader security perspective

Abstract

This study aims at analyzing the national security policy of the Russian Federation from the securitization perspective proposed by the Copenhagen School. Analysis is made in order to investigate whether there is a pattern in different securitizing moves made within a single state. For that aim, the securitization of demographic decline and information has been analyzed. The major argument of this study is that particular securitizing moves and general dominant discourse of danger show congruence. Namely, dominant discourse of danger that prioritizes certain security sectors may predict that particular cases will be securitized from the perspective of these sectors, as well. The first chapter aims to set the theoretical framework of this study. Therefore, the different definitions of the term of “security” are being analyzed focusing on the different schools of thought with special emphasis to the approach of the Copenhagen School. The second chapter describes the contours of the dominant discourse of danger with the help of analyzing relevant policy documents and official speeches. Having identified the dominant discourse of danger, the remaining two chapters aim at analyzing particular securitizing moves made with regard to demographic decline and information, respectively. After analysis of particular securitization moves, the study comes to a conclusion that there is congruence between the dominant discourse of danger and specific securitizing moves. Namely, as the dominant discourse of danger prioritized political and societal sectors, particular cases have also been securitized mainly from these sectors, along with traditional military one.