Changes to European security in a communicative perspective

Abstract

Based on a communicative perspective this article works out the theoretical possibility of a twofold change in European security (in the referent object of security; and in the understanding and practice of the best means to achieve security). The approach suggested should be considered supplementary to rational choice perspectives, and at the same time as a contribution to a strengthening of the "widening" literature on security. It is argued that the concepts of communicative rationality and deliberation can contribute to this in particular in two ways: First, by contributing to establish alternative and more precise micro-foundations to those provided in the rational choice perspective. Second, by providing a critical standard that enables us to avoid the normative ambiguity in security studies.