Governance of Security in Ports

Abstract

Chapter three explores some of the main vocabulary used in the governance of security literature, defining key concepts such as flows, nodes, plural policing, nodal governance, polycentric systems, partnerships, networks, assemblages, regulation, hybridity and accountability. This vocabulary is then used to illustrate some of the main findings of research on security governance in ports. Without being exhaustive, it explores the importance of ports as hubs in a multitude of flows, ports as hybrid spaces, illustrations of plural policing and nodal mapping, the nature of relations between security providers and ports and the importance of regulation and accountability are illustrated. The findings discussed are mainly based on the case studies developed by the authors of this book, supplemented by the findings of other empirical research done by colleagues in the field. The text is underpinned by the testimonials of port professionals around the world, reflecting upon the dynamics of security governance in practice.