Climate Change and Securitization of Migration

Table of Contents

Preface

Chapter 1- Revisiting Securitization In The Context Of Climate Change

Chapter 2- Framing ‘Climate Change’: Science, Knowledge and Power

Chapter 3- Climate Change, Migrations and Security: Conceptualizations and Contestations

Chapter 4- Conclusions: Towards Desecuritization of Climate Migration?

Research Objective and Core Themes

This dissertation examines the evolving geopolitical discourse surrounding climate change and human mobility, specifically focusing on how the securitization of migration—shifting the topic from "low politics" to "high politics" and national security concerns—impacts policy and the rights of vulnerable populations. The work critically evaluates how different national and international actors construct the narrative of "climate refugees" and assesses the implications of this framing for future diplomacy and human rights, with deep-dive case studies on Bangladesh, the United States, and Australia.

• The theoretical intersection of securitization theory (Copenhagen School) and environmental migration.
• The influence of scientific reports (IPCC, Stern Review, UNDP) in shaping climate narratives.
• Comparative analysis of how Bangladesh, the U.S., and Australia approach climate-induced migration.
• The moral and ethical dimensions of "climate refugee" status and the need for desecuritization.
• The role of media, think tanks, and state actors in constructing existential threats.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

Preface: This chapter establishes the historical context of migration as an adaptation strategy and introduces the critical shift toward securitizing climate change in contemporary geopolitical narratives.

Chapter 1- Revisiting Securitization In The Context Of Climate Change: The chapter critiques traditional concepts of security, analyzing the transition from state-centric "national security" models to broader "human security" frameworks within the context of global warming.

Chapter 2- Framing ‘Climate Change’: Science, Knowledge and Power: This section explores how scientific findings are produced and interpreted, focusing on how institutions like the IPCC frame climate change and how these frames are utilized by various actors to promote specific agendas.

Chapter 3- Climate Change, Migrations and Security: Conceptualizations and Contestations: This chapter provides a comparative study of Bangladesh, the United States, and Australia, examining how each state constructs climate-induced migration as a security issue or a threat to national stability.

Chapter 4- Conclusions: Towards Desecuritization of Climate Migration?: The concluding chapter summarizes the findings on the securitization of migration and argues for the urgent necessity of "desecuritizing" the debate, moving it back into the sphere of diplomacy, ethics, and human rights.

Keywords

Climate Change, Securitization, Migration, National Security, Human Security, Copenhagen School, Climate Refugees, Bangladesh, United States, Australia, IPCC, Human Rights, Geopolitics, Environmental Degradation, Desecuritization

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of this dissertation?

The work focuses on how climate change is increasingly being framed as an existential security threat, leading to the "securitization" of climate-induced migration by state and non-state actors.

What theoretical framework does the author utilize?

The author primarily relies on the "securitization theory" developed by the Copenhagen School of International Relations to explain how issues are moved from normal politics to the domain of high-level security emergencies.

What are the central case studies analyzed?

The dissertation features a comparative study of three countries: Bangladesh (as a highly vulnerable state), the United States, and Australia (as major destinations for potential climate migrants).

How does the author define a "climate migrant"?

The author highlights the ambiguity of the term and explores various contested categories like "climate refugees," "environmental migrants," and "climate exiles," emphasizing the lack of a standardized legal definition.

What is the author's argument regarding scientific consensus?

The author argues that while the IPCC is the dominant voice, its reports have faced criticism for projecting an overly simplistic "consensus" that may be used to serve specific political agendas rather than reflecting the complexities of climate science.

What is the goal of "desecuritization" mentioned in the final chapter?

The goal is to shift the debate on climate migration away from military and border-security frameworks and back toward the spheres of diplomacy, human rights, and sustainable development.

How does the media play a role in this process?

The author explains that media outlets frequently act as "securitizing actors" by portraying climate migrants as security threats, thereby reinforcing popular fear and political demand for restrictive border policies.

Does the author believe that climate change will inevitably cause interstate conflict?

The author notes that while many reports predict such conflicts, there is no clear consensus among researchers, and argues that securitizing this issue can be a self-fulfilling prophecy rather than a reflection of reality.