Internal Security Beyond Borders

By Olivier Brenninkmeijer

Subjects: Internal security, Crime, Relevant today., Clarifies difference between international and internal security both objective and subjective. Raises important issues, Law enforcement, Crime, europe

Description: CRITICAL REVIEW OF: Internal Security Beyond Borders Reviewed By: Simon Duke PhD Reviewed in: Journal of Contingencies and Crisis Management Date accepted online: 11/01/2005 Published in print: Volume 12, Issue 3, Pages 128-135. FULL TEXT OF REVIEW BELOW: At the time of writing Internal Security Beyond Borders Brenninkmeijer was a PhD candidate at the Graduate Institute of International Studies, Geneva. As the title suggests, the book starts with the assumption that internal security is an issue that can rarely be addresses solely in the national context since the existence of trans-national crime, fostered by modern communication, transport and 'globalisation' (a phenomenon that applies to criminal activity just as much as any other aspect) gives both perceptions of security and actual responses to security challenges regional and international dimensions. This means, as he makes clear with Switzerland as a case study, that addressing internal security is a matter of cooperation at a variety of levels, including those beyond borders. Brenninkmeijer usefully distinguishes between 'subjective' feelings of security, which may be manifest in feelings of public discomfort in open spaces, lack of faith in the police and law and order establishments, and in some cases the desire for isolation at individual, group or national levels. This is contrasted with 'objective' security which stems from real, or measurable, criminal and other illegal activity. This leads to tension between the expectations we have from our governments for security and the life-style we choose (i.e. maximum personal freedoms). Brenninkmeijer observes that such tension could lead to a vicious circle whereby the desire for security and feelings of insecurity become synonymous and, thus, self-defeating. His task of addressing perceptions of security with 'objective' facts relating to internal security is complicated by the fact that crime statistics, media articles or other official figures do not convey an accurate impression of safety in society. The statistics nevertheless point at some general (if rather unsurprising) conclusions such as the existence of a correlation between deviant and offending behaviour and economic and social factors; that most minor aggressions are not reflected in official statistics; or that small offences (vandalism, offensive or reckless behaviour) are most likely to lead to feelings of insecurity. Brenninkmeijer continues the theme of 'subjective' and 'objective' security across a number of themes, ranging from deviant group behaviour, transnational crime and corruption, migration and immigration. In many cases the issues discussed may actually prove to be significant challenges to internal security, while public perceptions of insecurity are more likely to be activated by local offences that, in turn, may lead to more general concerns of helplessness or even paranoia. The dichotomy then becomes one of examining why feelings of insecurity appear to be so widespread, while the perhaps more serious forms of crime or illegal activity are of less concern to all but a political elite and the security, law and order forces. Of particular interest in this regard are the chapters on migration, immigration and internal security and the following one on foreign offenders and public insecurity where, in both cases, public concern based on a kernel of truth can easily give way to hysteria. This raises the interesting question of how the subjective and objective aspects of preventing crime and insecurity should be addressed? Brenninkmeijer makes the point that addressing the subjective perceptions of insecurity is a matter of reaching a difficult balance between the often 'exaggerated awareness and thus fear of delinquencies and small crimes' and other (potentially more serious at the national, regional or international levels, but less noted) forms of white collar or organised crime. The response, as Brenninkmeijer suggests, is to be found in a complex mix of approaches including law and order, behavioural and public safety aspects at both the local, national and international levels. The author chose his location in Switzerland as a logical subject for a case study which underlines the fact that no one country is isolated from events on the territory of its neighbours. Although different from Norway and Iceland (who are European Economic Area countries) Switzerland has also tried to cultivate close links with its four neighbours and, in so far as is possible, with the European Union. In Brenninkmeijer's consideration of the European and international contexts, there is a useful overview of the relevant European instruments and institutions (the Dublin Convention, Schengen, Europol) and international aspects (the UN and Interpol). Brenninkmeijer's book has dated slightly, with a number of significant international developments changing the international security environment, especially those pertaining to international terrorism and weapons of mass destruction. Yet, the continued public concern over issues of security (as shown by successive Eurobarometer polls) means that Brenninkmeijer's book continues to have resonance. His reminder that the 'evolution of security institutions must continue to provide (subjective and objective) reassurances to the public of its safety' remains valid, especially at a time when there is more demand for exchange of intelligence and, in some quarters, advocacy of the need for some type of 'European FBI'. More generally, his observations on the need to support 'internal' security beyond Western Europe's borders (through addressing more creatively responses to migratory pressures, the alleviation of poverty on Europe's periphery and economic support for stable societies) has striking resonance with Javier Solana's December 2003 European Security Strategy. Internal Security Beyond Borders is generally well written and accessible to the non-specialist reader. Brenninkmeijer has used a wide range of sources (in English, French and German) which, when looked at carefully, illustrates the central strength of this book. The fields that Brenninkmeijer skilfully weaves together are based upon specialist literature often confined to sub-dimensions of his book. It may be taken as an implied criticism that writing a more general book, linking together different aspects of security, is of less value. Far from it. Brenninkmeijer has written a book that deserves a wide audience for three reasons: First, there are few, if any, books to compare it with and in this sense it should be seen as a pioneering book in its breadth and scope; second, in spite of the range of security dimensions addressed, the book does not sacrifice depth of analysis for accessibility or comprehensiveness and; finally, in spite of some fluctuations in the priority in the areas discussed, it remains a book that raises important issues that continue to be of relevance to our societies. END.