Age of Security

Age of Security: The Rise of a Global Obsession by Ruben Andersson

Age of Security: The Rise of a Global Obsession by anthropologist Ruben Andersson examines how the pursuit of safety has transformed politics, economies and everyday life. From border controls and surveillance technologies to policing and emergency laws, this thought-provoking book investigates the growing influence of the global security industry and asks whether our efforts to protect ourselves are making society more fearful and less free.

Drawing on reporting from Sweden, Mexico, Mali and Paris, Andersson explores the realities behind the promises of greater security. He argues that constant surveillance, fortified borders and punitive policies can deepen insecurity rather than resolve its underlying causes, challenging readers to reconsider the relationship between safety, privacy and freedom.

About This Book

Security has become a defining concern of modern societies, shaping government policies, private businesses and personal decisions. In Age of Security, Andersson traces the rise of what he calls Big Security, examining an industry that profits from public fears while questioning how effectively its solutions address the problems they promise to solve.

Through encounters with police chiefs, migrants, peacekeepers and arms dealers, the book reveals how security policies affect people across different political and economic circumstances. It also considers an alternative vision centred on human dignity, democratic accountability and freedom from fear.

What You'll Discover

• How the global security industry has grown in influence and profitability
• The impact of surveillance technologies, border controls and policing
• First-hand perspectives from security frontlines across different countries
• The tensions between public safety, personal privacy and civil liberties
• How fear-driven policies can contribute to insecurity and social inequality
• Ideas for imagining a more humane and accountable approach to security

Perfect For

• Readers interested in politics, international affairs and public policy
• Those exploring surveillance, privacy and civil liberties
• Students and researchers of anthropology, sociology and political science
• Readers interested in borders, migration and the global security industry
• Anyone questioning the balance between personal freedom and public safety

Why You'll Love This Book

Age of Security: The Rise of a Global Obsession challenges conventional ideas about what it means to be safe. Combining anthropological insight with reporting from the frontlines of global security, Ruben Andersson invites readers to question whether increasingly restrictive measures deliver genuine protection. It is a compelling read for anyone interested in how fear shapes modern society and what it might take to protect both security and freedom.