Description
Security norms established during the colonial era continue shaping institutions until today. Remnants of colonial laws continue existing until today, particularly in frontier regulations, shaping relationships between state institutions and populations even after processes of decolonization interrupted the link to the original colonial powers. While this has been criticized both academically and politically, efforts to decolonialize security institutions have been relatively new, with post-colonial states struggling to find a decolonial perspective. In this paper, I argue that the logic inherent in international efforts to provide security through state institutions reinforces colonial security norms, thus preventing deeper reforms within institutions. By emphasizing security provision through state institutions, they inhibit efforts to reform laws which protect state institutions against a populace.
