Conference Program

Ontological security (OS) posits that in addition to physical security, states “act in ways in order to maintain a stable sense of ‘self’” (Zarakol, 2016, 48). OS has tried to broaden a parochial understanding of security based on material conceptualization by bringing in the dimension of identity and it “pulls our attention to subjectivity more than physicality” (Kinnvall & Mitzen, 2016, 4). For states to have meaning to their existence, they need to feel secure about who they are and what they represent. While most of the literature on OS is state-centric in nature, there has not been enough work on how non-state armed actors conceptualize OS. In the proposed paper I approach OS from a non-statist perspective. Focusing on the case of ISIS, I argue that ISIS forms/develops its OS from apocalyptic visions drawn from Islamic eschatology. How does ISIS situate itself in the eschatological literature and how does this vision grant it OS, a sense of security, and identity? Such questions animate the study. By bringing in non-state armed actors in the ambit of OS the paper also contributes to literature emerging in ontological security studies by not limiting “ontological security to a synonym for ‘state identity’”(Zarakol, 2016).

The US’ extended nuclear deterrence (END) is widely regarded as a necessary security policy for the protection of NATO members. This perception necessitates the assumption that END is effective at deterring military challengers. However, this view is largely based on materialist explanations. Extant research indicates that these do not provide sufficient reasons for assuming the effectiveness of END. This leads to the following research question: How were the proponents of END able to establish and maintain END as a central security strategy of NATO despite reasonable doubts about its effectiveness as a deterrent threat, against opposition, and despite potential alternative strategies? This study argues that the existence of END is mainly based on the discursive construction of its meaning as an effective deterrent threat and the necessity of providing such a threat. These meanings are created by actors using discursive strategies. By approaching the discourses on END via a Critical Discourse Analysis, this study aims to show how decision-makers can function as agents of stability in discourses by focusing on times of the establishment and contestation of END. Such times of contestation are often based on significant changes in the political and ideological context. Understanding the stabilizing role of discourses is of particular interest in times of rising counter-discourses challenging the further existence of END. This study expects to identify discursive strategies to better understand the establishment and maintenance of END, and the strategies used by decision-makers to establish and maintain security policies in general.

The Elsie Initiative Fund represents a global effort to advance the meaningful participation of women in peacekeeping operations. This abstract focuses on the comparison of Mexico and other participating countries in the initiative. Mexico, along with its international counterparts, has engaged in the Elsie Initiative Fund with the shared goal of addressing gender imbalances within peacekeeping missions. This study examines the unique approaches, challenges, and successes of Mexico in comparison to other nations involved in the initiative.

Mexico's involvement in the Elsie Initiative is characterized by a commitment to fostering gender equality within its military ranks. The analysis explores the specific policies and initiatives undertaken by Mexico to promote the recruitment, retention, and advancement of women in peacekeeping forces. Comparative data from other participating countries shed light on the varying strategies employed to overcome common obstacles, such as cultural biases and institutional barriers.

Additionally, the study delves into the impact of these initiatives on the operational effectiveness and overall success of peacekeeping missions involving diverse and gender-inclusive forces. The abstract highlights key outcomes and lessons learned from Mexico's participation, offering insights that contribute to the global discourse on gender-responsive peacekeeping.

By examining the experiences of Mexico alongside those of other nations within the Elsie Initiative Fund, this research aims to contribute to a comprehensive understanding of effective strategies for advancing gender equality in peacekeeping operations, fostering collaboration, and promoting international best practices in the realm of security and peace.