Tracing securitization of narratives and images in the global media discourse

A new global political regime was instituted in the aftermath of the attacks in the United States of 11 September 2001. Launched in response to the attacks, the War on Terror increased securitization at the global, regional and national levels, and this, it is argued, had significant impact on the global media, as well as on refugees and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). This chapter argues that the speech acts of the securitization process has set and framed the agendas, narratives and discourses of global media conglomerates. Theoretical frameworks of Copenhagen school of securitization have been analysed through what is known as the speech act to produce securitization outcomes. The far-reaching impacts of securitization and the War on Terror also have detrimental effects on Islamic NGOs and on refugees in many parts of the world, as highlighted in the findings of several reports, academic papers and case studies. Securitization has curtailed the operations of Islamic NGOs, with devastating effects on vulnerable people, whilst negative depictions of refugees by the mainstream media are driving policies with often grave consequences. With such security-driven agendas creating particularly pressing conditions, there has been a dramatic decline in much-needed scrutiny of the media, particularly of its responsibilities and ethics.