Copenhagen-Cairo on a Roundtrip: A Security Theory Meets the Revolution
Though Securitization Theory has been applied to cases worldwide, it has been criticized for limited applicability to the non-western world. When, in 2010, Centre for Advanced Security Theory began a collaboration with Danish Egyptian Dialogue Institute and Al-Ahram Centre for Political and Strategic Studies in Cairo, Securitization theory was challenged on two levels: The theory was to both analyse and act politically in a Middle Eastern context, and then during the Arab Spring, the role of the entire Egyptian security sector was reevaluated. These unique circumstances prompted reflections on the use of non-traditional and traditional security concepts, how the Egyptian revolution could be understood through Securitization Theory, as well as what the experiences of this project will mean for further theory development. This article discusses these points in light of the Danish delegation’s experiences.