Risk Communication in Security Policy

Abstract

Risk communication between political decision-makers, public authorities, experts, and the general public is considered a central component in the official handling of complex and networked risks. So far, however, the concept has been applied almost exclusively in the context of technical and environmental risks. Harnessing risk communication for specific issues in foreign and security policy can sensitize the public to specific problems, create legitimacy for the actions of government agencies, and thus enhance the strategic capabilities of political actors in the case of a crisis.