Analysing Desecuritisation: The Case of the Israeli-Palestinian Peace Education and Water Management

This book applies securitisation theory to the present Israeli-Palestinian situation with a particular focus on the potential for a desecuritisation process arising from Israeli-Palestinian cooperation/coexistence efforts in peace education and water management. Stemming from the application of securitisation theory to the Israeli-Palestinian case, the book aims to explore the limits and prospects of this theory as a theoretical framework. Within this context, the book reconsiders the concepts, arguments and assumptions introduced by the Copenhagen School's securitisation theory. Furthermore, through an analytical framework based on the notion of desecuritisation, it aims to contribute to the development of desecuritisation as a framework for analysing conflict resolution and peace. The book adds to debates over the problems and prospects of reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians. Thoroughout the book, the prospects for reconciliation in the Israeli-Palestinian case are explored through analysing both desecuritising and securitising processes. Within this context, the book sheds light on the ways in which antagonistic relationships can be changed over time.

About the Author :
Dr Bezen Balamir Coskun is Assistant Professor in International Relations as Zirve University, Gaziantep, Turkey. She specializes on security studies with a particular focus on Middle Eastern security. Her publications include several journal articles and book chapters. She is currently conducting a research project on energy security founded by the Turkish Scientific Research Agency.

Review :
"Bezen Balamir Coskun's book is a research monograph, thoroughly researched, and very well-written. The book applies securitisation theory to the Israeli-Palestinian case with a particular focus on the potential for desecuritisation process arising from various cooperation/ coexistence efforts in peace education and water management. This is an important book which reconsiders the key concepts, arguments and assumptions introduced by the Copenhagen School's securitisation theory. Dr Coskun's thoughtful argument makes a significant scholarly contribution."—Prof Dr Bulent Gokay, Professor of International Relations, School of Politics, International Relations and Philosophy, Keele University, Staffs'Securitization theory is a growing and increasingly influential sub-field of International Relations. Its full scholalrly potential, however, is yet to be realised. This volume goes some considerable way to making good that gap. Bezen Coskun provides a sophisticated and sure-footed account of the Arab-Israeli conflict that is both theoretically-informed and empirically rich. Her examination of the dynamics of antagonism is not a counsel of despair; securitisation can be avoided and reconciliation remains a possibility. The long-cycle of conflict may appear totally intractable but this is a book from which important lessons can be drawn in how to de-escalate violence, correct misperceptions and overcome political stalemate.'—Prof. Mark Webber, Professor of International Politics Head, School of Government and Society, University of Birmingham