Abstract

This study seeks to answer the following question: What are the effects of the securitization of global public health crises by international organizations on how states act to try to control such crises? I draw on literature from the constructivist school of thought and securitization theory, which posits that security threats are socially constructed through the process of securitization. My study examines framing at the international level by international organizations (IOs) and related actors in the global health regime. I hypothesize that securitizing language and the use of the security frame by international actors will increase the initial amount of attention to (H1A) and involvement in (H1B) the health crisis measured by rhetorical support from heads of government and the amount of aid and resources distributed from a state to the WHO and related global responses to combat the crisis. I also expect that the use of the security frame will decrease attention to (H2A) and involvement in (H2B) the crisis over time. I employ an observational, longitudinal case study of securitization by the global health regime during the COVID-19 pandemic from approximately December 2019 through December 2021 and its effect on government officials in Germany. I find some support for H1A and H1B and for H2A, but I do not find support for H2B. I conclude with a discussion of the implications of my findings for policy and future research.

Advisor

Krain, Matthew

Department

Political Science

Disciplines

International Relations | Political Science

Publication Date

2022

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis Exemplar

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© Copyright 2022 Lilia Eisenstein