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A19


Sensing security. Sensors and the making of transnational security infrastructures 
Convenors:
Nikolaus Pöchhacker (Technical University of Munich)
Nina Witjes (Technical University of Munich)
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Discussant:
Jan-Hendrik Passoth (European University Viadrina)
Stream:
Encounters between people, things and environments
Location:
Bowland Lecture Theatre (Bowland Main)
Start time:
26 July, 2018 at
Time zone: Europe/London
Session slots:
1

Short Abstract:

In our session we want to explore the role of sensors and data infrastructures in the construction and interpretation of changing local and global socio-technical environments related to the interplay of sensing and (algorithmic) sense-making in various security domains.

Long Abstract:

The interplay of sensing and (algorithmic) sense-making marks an important, yet underexplored momentum in the social construction of security in increasingly digital societies. Sensory devices are not only producing multiple ontologies but also produce and mediate "macro-level" entities through information infrastructures in the making (Bowker 2017; Mukerji, 2011). In our session we want to explore the role of sensors and data infrastructures in the construction and interpretation of changing local and global socio-technical environments in recent discussions in science and technology studies, critical security and critical data studies. We call for contributions exploring how sensing devices - from satellites and drones to environmental sensor networks and digital sensing infrastructures - become invested with global and socio-political significance. We seek both large-scale empirical accounts of historical and contemporary cases across the globe, and welcome papers that critically investigate sensors and sensory networks as situated security practices of infrastructure making. In the our panel we want to explore topics such as, but not limited to:

'Infrastructural inversions' (Bowker & Star, 2000) of sensors infrastructures as objects of international political controversy.

Smart borders or body scanners as means to control migration flows.

Novel forms of (criminological) knowledge through predictive analytics.

The connection between electronic devices - and their leftovers - to human rights violations, conflict and exclusion and a possible responsible governance framework.

How do sensors shape, shift and constitute domains of national and international security and policy-making?

The role of sensor infrastructures in the constitution and mediation between state and non-state actors.

Accepted papers:

Session 1