The word "securocrat" refers to a member of a government or organization that places an emphasis on national security. The spelling of the word can be broken down phonetically as [sɪˈkjʊərəkræt]. The initial syllable "se-" is pronounced like the word "see", with a short "u" sound in the second syllable. The final syllable "-crat" is pronounced like "krat", with a hard "k" sound followed by a soft "a" sound. The emphasis in the word is on the second syllable, "kew".
Securocrat refers to an influential person, usually a high-ranking government official or military officer, who prioritizes the maintenance of national security and exercises significant control over security policy and practices within a country. The term is formed by combining "security" and "bureaucrat".
A securocrat is known for their strong belief in the primacy of national security, often at the expense of civil liberties and democratic principles. They tend to advocate for authoritarian measures and policies that emphasize surveillance, intelligence gathering, and the suppression of potential threats to the state. Securocrats typically favor a more militarized approach to addressing security challenges and are often associated with a hardline stance on matters of defense and intelligence.
Being driven by security imperatives, securocrats have a tendency to exert significant influence over the formulation and execution of security policies and strategies. They may hold key positions within intelligence agencies, the military, or the powerful apparatus responsible for maintaining law and order. Due to their positions, securocrats often play a pivotal role in shaping national security agendas and have broad decision-making authority.
Critics argue that securocrats can sometimes undermine democratic processes by limiting freedom of expression and human rights in the name of security. However, supporters contend that securocrats are essential for protecting national interests and ensuring the safety and stability of a nation. Overall, the term "securocrat" is often associated with individuals who wield significant power and influence within the security establishment, sometimes invoking mixed reactions and debate around the balance between security and civil liberties.
The word "securocrat" is a blend of two words: "security" and "bureaucrat".
The term "security" comes from the Latin word "securitas", which means "freedom from danger" or "freedom from care". It first entered the English language in the 16th century and referred to the state or condition of being secure or protected.
The word "bureaucrat" originated from the French word "bureaucrate" in the early 19th century. It is derived from the French word "bureau", meaning "office" or "desk". The suffix "-crat" is derived from the Greek word "kratos", meaning "power" or "authority", and it denotes a person who holds or exercises administrative power or authority.
The term "securocrat" emerged in the second half of the 20th century.