Limitations and Contributions of Securitization Theory

Securitization theory highlights the influence of external factors, such as timing and reality. It faces criticism for a ‘confirmation bias’ due to a focus on successful securitizations, leading to a selection bias that skews analysis. This approach often does not genuinely test the theory, as researchers tend to identify only successful cases, thus overstating the theory's reach. Nonetheless, it offers valuable insights into how issues shift from ordinary politics into the security realm, emphasizing the social construction of threats. Despite its limitations, it remains a key analytical tool for understanding security processes.