Rethinking Democratic State in Ontological Security Studies

Abstract

Since the ontological security studies began to contribute to the discipline of International Relations, the dichotomy between state and individual as the unit of analysis searching for ontological security has dominated the literature with an emphasis on conflicts as the empirical objects. Given the terminology offered by the ontological security studies, this paper aims firstly to rethink the state as the provider of anxiety and uncertainty and secondly to underline the role of democratic mechanisms under state’s control in the emergence of potential critical moments. The arguments presented in this direction are examined in the light of Brexit referendum and ontological insecurity of remain voters in Britain.