This policy paper examines the contrasting narratives in the Euro-Atlantic security discourse using the example of the Munich Security Conference 2025 and the meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group at Ramstein Air Base. It compares the war rhetoric, which uses martial metaphors to justify extraordinary security measures, with the narrative of resilience, which emphasises democratic governance and public trust. Drawing on framing theory and concepts of human and democratic security, the analysis shows that while war metaphors mobilise immediate support for robust security measures, they risk normalising emergency measures that limit civil liberties. In contrast, a resilience-oriented framing promotes policies that protect freedoms by incorporating democratic oversight and transparency. The paper concludes with recommendations for integrating sunset clauses, proportionality checks and enhanced public engagement into security strategies to ensure that defence measures protect citizens without undermining the liberal democratic order.
Vol. 6 No. 2, 2025: War Rhetoric vs. Resilience Framing Security and Civil Liberties in the Euro-Atlantic Discourse (Ristevska) [ENG]
Author:
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- Teodora Tea Ristevska, Ph.D., is a researcher and teaching assistant at the Defence Studies Department, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ljubljana
* Views and opinions of the authors of this paper do not necessarily correspond to the views of the Euro-Atlantic Council of Slovenia.