Rethinking Climate Change, Security, and Politics

The field of security studies is undergoing significant transformation as global challenges such as pandemics, climate change, and economic instability reshape human and environmental security. Traditionally focused on military threats, security studies now must embrace a broader spectrum of asymmetric risks that globalization exacerbates. Climate change has emerged as a pivotal concern, acting as a threat multiplier by intensifying social tensions, resource conflicts, and displacement, thereby threatening state stability and regional cooperation. Current research highlights how competition for resources, like water, in fragile regions, along with disproportionate impacts on vulnerable states, underscores the intertwined nature of environmental risks and political conflicts. While much progress has been made in identifying these challenges, substantial gaps remain in developing comprehensive frameworks that address the multifaceted nature of modern security.

This Research Topic aims to foster the development of innovative theoretical and policy frameworks that effectively safeguard global society and foster sustainable security. Beyond physical threats, the integration of existential and human security approaches is essential, addressing identity, fear, anxiety, and social continuity. The goal is to redefine security to encompass physical protection and psychological and social well-being. Researchers will explore the vital role of political communication and the dissemination of accurate information in formulating security policies that effectively address climate change-related risks. By reevaluating traditional security models, we aim to identify the opportunities climate change presents for cooperative problem-solving and collective action.

To gather further insights into the complex interplay between climate change, security, and politics, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Innovative governance models to address climate-induced security risks.
- The integration of human and existential security in policy frameworks.
- Political communication strategies for effective climate security policies.
- The role of international cooperation in managing resource conflicts.
- Climate change as an opportunity for reimagining sovereignty and global solidarity.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Registered Report
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: climate security, human security, environmental risks, political communication, global governance, resource conflicts

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.