Can securitization be just? A case study of the U.S securitization of bioterrorism post 9/11

Abstract: This study investigates the morality of securitization. More specifically, it examines the possibility of a just securitization. Using Just Securitization Theory, developed by Rita Floyd, it analyzes the morality of a case of securitization. The selected case for testing Just Securitization Theory is the U.S securitization of bioterrorism after the incidents of 9/11 and the anthrax attacks in the U.S in 2001. Five criteria are operationalized and inform the analysis with ethical arguments. U.S security measures following the securitization are analyzed in regard to how proportionate, sincere and harmful they were. The U.S was judged a legitimate referent object, and the threat of al-Qaeda executing a bioterrorist attack directed at the U.S, was estimated objective and existential. For a securitization to be considered just, all criteria must be met. The last criteria, chance of success,was not met due to the security measures that could have taken a less harmful course of action. The last criteria was decisive for the selected case to be considered unjust, but was concluded to not enable a result of a just securitization at all. The result showed that Just Securitization Theory might not enable a just securitization.