Macedonia and Kosovo should treat air pollution as a national security threat
Session
Political Science
Description
This paper argues that societies in Macedonia and Kosovo should treat air pollution as a matter of national security. It uses the international relations theory of constructivism as a starting point. Specifically, we are using the theory of 'securitization' and the social construction of national security threats to craft the policy recommendations for the countries. In order to make the case for the 'securitization of air pollution' this paper offers three levels of analysis. Primarily, it explores the consequences of air pollution and offers an overview of current attempts in both countries to tackle the problem. Secondly, the paper dives into the theory of 'securitization', and examines how this theory has been used when states want to 'classify' an issue as a 'threat' and consequently treat it as a matter of national security. Finally, we argue in favor of treating air-pollution as a matter of national security, and we analyse the opportunities that this approach can provide for a more holistic societal response to the challenge.
Keywords:
Air pollution, national security, securitization
Session Chair
Ridvan Peshkopia
Session Co-Chair
Velizar Shalamanov & Sabri Kiçmari
Proceedings Editor
Edmond Hajrizi
ISBN
978-9951-437-69-1
Location
Pristina, Kosovo
Start Date
27-10-2018 10:45 AM
End Date
27-10-2018 12:15 PM
DOI
10.33107/ubt-ic.2018.398
Recommended Citation
Lazar, Pop Ivanov and Marija, Mirchevska, "Macedonia and Kosovo should treat air pollution as a national security threat" (2018). UBT International Conference. 398.
https://knowledgecenter.ubt-uni.net/conference/2018/all-events/398
Macedonia and Kosovo should treat air pollution as a national security threat
Pristina, Kosovo
This paper argues that societies in Macedonia and Kosovo should treat air pollution as a matter of national security. It uses the international relations theory of constructivism as a starting point. Specifically, we are using the theory of 'securitization' and the social construction of national security threats to craft the policy recommendations for the countries. In order to make the case for the 'securitization of air pollution' this paper offers three levels of analysis. Primarily, it explores the consequences of air pollution and offers an overview of current attempts in both countries to tackle the problem. Secondly, the paper dives into the theory of 'securitization', and examines how this theory has been used when states want to 'classify' an issue as a 'threat' and consequently treat it as a matter of national security. Finally, we argue in favor of treating air-pollution as a matter of national security, and we analyse the opportunities that this approach can provide for a more holistic societal response to the challenge.