| ID | 161273 |
| Title Proper | Vernacular imaginaries of European border security among citizens |
| Other Title Information | from walls to information management |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Vaughan-Williams, Nick ; Lofflmann, Georg |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | Our primary aim in this article is to explore vernacular constructions of Europe’s so-called ‘migration crisis’ from the grounded everyday perspectives of EU citizens. We do so as a critical counterpoint to dominant elite scripts of the crisis, which are often reliant upon securitised representations of public opinion as being overwhelmingly hostile to migrants and refugees and straightforwardly in favour of tougher deterrent border security. In addition to broadening the range of issues analysed in vernacular security studies, the article seeks to make three principal contributions. Theoretically, we argue for an approach to the study of citizens’ views and experiences of migration and border security that is sensitive to the performative effects of research methods and the circular logic between securitising modes of knowledge production and policy justification. Methodologically, we outline and apply an alternative approach in response to these dynamics, drawing on the potential of critical focus groups and a desecuritising ethos. Empirically, we identify a vernacular theory of ‘the border’ as information management, and a significant information gap prevalent among participants with otherwise opposing views towards migration. These findings challenge bifurcated understandings of public opinion towards migration into Europe and point to the existence of vernacular border security imaginaries beyond either ‘closed’ or ‘open’ borders. |
| `In' analytical Note | European Journal of International Security Vol. 3, No.3; Oct 2018: p.382-400 |
| Journal Source | European Journal of International Security Vol: 3 No 1 |
| Key Words | Migration ; Security ; Europe ; Border Security ; Information Management ; Vernacular Security ; Migration Crisis ; Desecuritising Methods ; European Border Security |