Ethics and Contemporary European Security Discourse

This project consists of three intersecting elements which will examine, and lay the foundation for further research on, the interface between contemporary security concerns and ethics. The first component consists of a relatively discreet analysis of con temporary European security discourse, looking in particular at how notions of care and responsibility get articulated alongside notions of justice and rights when discussing Security issues. This research will use the debates between different European n ations (including Norway and the United Kingdom) over the current (ongoing) issue of taking-in former detainees from Guantanamo. This would fit well with (and form a chapter of) a book I am currently writing on Guantanamo, and so will contribute to my own personal longer term development plans. The background to the work, in addition to appropriate secondary literature, would focus on debates in the General Affairs and External Relations Council (where discussion began on 26 January, see the Press Release of the 2921st Council Meeting) and the Justice and Home Affairs Council of the EU. The second component of the programme will be the giving of two seminars at the host institution, PRIO, on areas PRIO is seeking to move towards - as set out in its curren t strategy documents - and which the applicant's home institution and working experience are well positioned to contribute to. Thirdly, on the basis of these seminars and the broader exchanges envisaged during the three month programme of work, the applic ant and the host supervisor will write a funding application for further collaborative work between QMUL and PRIO on a wider set of issues relating to those explored by the applicant in the research component of the programme. The proposed programme of wo rk fits will with both the current research plans and longer term strategic developments of both institutions, the applicant, and the host supervisor and offers a unique opportunity for further collaboration.