Positive Security: Collective Life in an Uncertain World

This book critically conceptualises positive security and explores multiple areas in global politics where positive security can be studied as an alternative to the existing understandings and practices of security.

Structured through a framework on the practice and ethics of everyday security, the book defines positive security as a focal point of contextual and spatiotemporal moments that emerge through encounters with ‘the other’ in everyday politics. In these moments, an actor can show attentiveness and humility towards ‘the other’. In this book, the authors present their own understandings of positive security, offering an in-depth discussion and analysis of the Global North and South divides, delving into many aspects such as human security, migration, gender, Indigenous issues and perceptions of security in the Arctic, and challenges and tensions for and within NATO. The book concludes by reflecting on the significance of positive security, looking at its application for other current issues, including how to understand and manage new (in)security challenges including hybrid threats and warfare.

This book will be of interest to students and scholars of international relations, critical security, and peace studies.

Gunhild Hoogensen Gjørv is Professor of Security, Peace and Conflict Studies at the Arctic University of Norway.

Ali Bilgic is a Reader in International Relations and Security at Loughborough University, UK.