Ontological Security

Ontological Security Theory (OST) is an approach that argues actors such as individuals, groups, and states are engaged not only in a physical but also in an existential search for security. This theory seeks to explain behavior in international relations by grounding it in individuals’ need for “self-continuity.” Built upon the sociological work of Anthony Giddens, OST conceptualizes security not merely as the absence of material threats but as a process that responds to actors’ need to preserve, interpret, and sustain their identities.

Key Concepts

The core concepts of OST include “self,” “identity,” “routine,” “auto-biographical narrative,” and “anxiety.” According to this approach, when actors encounter uncertainty and inconsistency that threaten their selfhood, they develop various narratives to resolve these disruptions. Ontological security enables actors to sustain their identities within a coherent narrative and render their actions meaningful.

The Role of Anxiety and Routines

Unlike classical security paradigms, OST accepts that threats may be not only external—for example, war or attack—but also internal, such as identity crises. Anxiety, in this context, is not a concrete fear directed at a specific object but a diffuse unease stemming from uncertainty that undermines identity.

To mitigate this anxiety, actors turn to routines—repetitive and predictable social practices. Routines not only ensure the continuity of identity but also serve as a mechanism for coping with uncertainty.

Ontological Security at the State and Societal Levels

The pursuit of ontological security can be extended from the individual level to the state level. In this context, states can shape their foreign policies and international relations in accordance with their quest for identity continuity. For instance, China’s goal of leadership in artificial intelligence can be interpreted not only as a technological competition but also as an effort to define itself as a strong and independent identity in contrast to the West.

The Persistence of Conflict and the Anxiety of Peace

OST is also used to explain why some conflicts persist for long periods. As Jennifer Mitzen argues, actors may come to view ongoing conflict as a routine that provides ontological security; therefore, exiting this situation could trigger an identity crisis. Consequently, in some cases, peace may become an undesirable outcome because it threatens existing identity constructions.

Similarly, in studies edited by Bahar Rumelili, it is emphasized that the uncertainty and the imperative of identity transformation brought about by peace processes generate profound feelings of ontological insecurity among actors.

Theoretical Contributions and Criticisms

OST has been adopted and developed primarily by constructivist and critical approaches in international relations. Brent J. Steele has made significant contributions by analyzing state actions not only in terms of interests and security but also through the lens of the need for identity continuity.

Nina C. Krickel-Choi has expanded the analytical capacity of the theory by deepening the conceptual foundations of “self” and “anxiety.”

However, the lack of clearly defined conceptual boundaries in OST has, in some studies, led to theoretical inconsistencies.