Biosecurity and the international response to HIV/Aids

Governmentality, globalisation and security

Bibliographic Data

ID8360544
AuthorsAlan Ingram (0000-0003-4447-1237, University College London, corresponding author)
Year2010
Volume42
Issue3
Pages293-301
Publication date2010-09-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueArea (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0004-0894 • E-ISSN: 1475-4762
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/j.1475-4762.2009.00921.x
OpenAlexW2019121887
LanguageEN
Citations received21
References cited31

A growing critical literature examines the rise of biosecurity. HIV/AIDS has been mentioned in this literature as a biosecurity issue, but despite its importance as a major global health problem, the ways in which HIV/AIDS might be considered a matter of biosecurity have not been explored in depth. This article addresses this issue, particularly in relation to the international response to HIV/AIDS, through the conceptual prism of governmentality and in relation to concerns about globalisation and security. Following a discussion of the relevance of governmentality to research on the intersections between globalisation and security, the article considers biosecurity and the international response to HIV/AIDS in terms of modes of problematisation and institutionalisation. In terms of problematisation, it argues that while some biosecurity issues and HIV/AIDS have been addressed as emergencies, the characteristics of anticipation, preparedness, emergence and pre‐emption, which are central to the dominant formation of biosecurity, are less relevant to HIV/AIDS. As the article shows, the two fields have also been institutionalised in rather distinct ways. It therefore cautions against regarding the international response to HIV/AIDS as a biosecurity intervention. In conclusion, the article identifies three broad avenues for further research: unpacking the politics of global health and security during recession; engaging with theoretical debates around governmentality; and engaging with problems of space

Anticipation (artificial intelligence) · Biopower · Biosecurity · Globalization · Governmentality · International relations · Political science · Politics · Preparedness · Public relations · Sociology · Global Security and Public Health · Law · Medicine · Sex work and related issues · Viral Infections and Outbreaks Research