Introduction
“Crisis” is one of the most overused yet least interrogated concepts in political discourse. It evokes urgency, justifies extraordinary measures, and suspends normal rules of accountability. But who defines what constitutes a crisis? And to what ends is crisis invoked? This article explores how the discourse of emergency functions as a powerful tool of blame avoidance. Drawing from problematization theory and critical policy studies, it analyzes how crises are constructed, framed, and strategically deployed—not only to address threats, but to manage perceptions, deflect responsibility, and consolidate power…
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