The effect of (the concept of) security on the current societal relationships: The securitization of migration

Security is defined as the state of being protected from threats that individuals, groups or states may face. The concept of security has traditionally been state-centered and understood as the ability of a state to protect its borders, sovereignty and citizens against external threats. Migration is a phenomenon that has existed since the beginning of human history and continues to have an impact. The concept of migration can be defined as the displacement of people from one region to another, and this displacement is due to different reasons. The definitions and functionality of the concept of security and migration have undergone change and transformation in the historical process. Today, the issue of migration is increasingly shifting to the field of security with the claim that migration poses a serious threat to the security of individuals, societies, states and economic security. Initially, it was argued that migration posed a threat only to borders, national security and social cohesion. However, over time, securitizing actors have caused migration to emerge as a threat within society in order for their speeches to have a greater impact on the public and instill fear. In this context, migration movements are often associated with security concerns by states. In particular, mass migration waves can force governments and societies to deal with security risks. Factors such as economic difficulties and wars in the regions where migrants arrive can increase their security needs and trigger security concerns in destination countries. This study proceeds within the framework of Thomas Hobbes' natural state theory and John Locke's doctrine of natural rights. While Hobbes argues that a strong state authority is needed to ensure security, Locke evaluates security on the basis of the social contract and individual rights. The most fundamental distinction arises at the point of restricting the freedom of the individual in the name of ensuring the general happiness and security of the state. This is a highly controversial issue in contemporary societies. In this context, the different perspectives offered by the two philosophers on the impact of state authority on individual freedoms and the provision of security are analyzed. This comparative analysis aims to provide important theoretical implications for shaping modern security policies. Another important theoretical part of the study is the securitization of migration and its relationship with security, supported by the Copenhagen School's securitization theory. Within the framework of a qualitative study method, in-depth interviews were conducted with Afghans living in Uşak. The complexity and diversity of the relationship between migration and security is one of the important points of this study.