A Path Analysis of Securitization: The Example of CNOOC’s Bid for Unocal

　　Abstract: The Copenhagen school of thought offers a research methodology for security studies rooted in social constructivism. The central concept of securitization theory——“speech behavior”——illustrates that security statements in and of themselves can create security problems; the subjectivity of security means that securitization is a process of constructing recognition of a threat. As such, the complete path that securitization follows includes: (1) Initiation of securitization: a securitizing actor with sufficient voice or social capital uses a statement or act to refer to or point out a threat; (2) Securitizing Media: through its structuring of the agenda and framing effects, the media convinces its audience of a shared security awareness; (3) a security audience is constructed, and an issue is securitized. Based on an analysis of CNOOC’s bid to purchase Unocal, this article shows that securitization is a discursive process: Congress functioned as a securitizing actor to construct a logic of securitization; the media then framed this logic in terms of national security; this shaped public perception thereby securitizing the deal.

　　Author: Wang Ling is a PhD Student in the School of International Relations and Public Affairs of Fudan University