Foreword

Abstract

Readers of The Journal of Autonomy and Security (JASS) studies are well aware of the widening content of the concept of “security” in recent decades. While this development has expanded the agenda of security studies, it has also resulted in a more developed understanding of the fact that “security” – whatever it means in a given situation – is the consequence of other circumstances than itself. Of course, this is a healthy development. It creates both empirical and theoretical challenges.

It is no longer possible to talk about security in general terms in a meaningful way. Instead, more specific approaches are needed. This Issue of JASS is a very good example of this: it contains articles that range from a traditionally formulated context of security, to identity, collective security and ontological security.

In particular, the context of security through demilitarisation is highlighted in some articles, while in other a more explicit or implicit comparative perspective is taken. Åland, with its international regimes of demilitarisation and neutralisation, is put in perspective in relation to Svalbard as well as to Nagorno-Karabakh. An equally important dimension is the possibility to link security to human rights, or vice versa – something that is developed in an article on North Korea. Finally – and in between all of this – stands an article analysing the development of the identity and ontological security of the Åland Islands.

While this Issue of JASS keeps security as a conceptual thread throughout, the autonomy dimension is not set aside, but is actually explicitly present in most of the articles. In this way we believe, in the editorial group, that the issues raised by the title of the Journal are approached in new and innovative ways.