The 2006 Aircraft Bomb Plot and the institutionalization of liquid restrictions within the European Aviation Industry

This paper examines the causal relationship between the 2006 aircraft bomb plot and the subsequent rapid institutionalization of liquid restrictions amongst the European aviation sector. Here, the ‘process-tracing’ research method is employed, specifically focuses on theory building. The identified causal mechanism is reviewed through the lens of historical institutionalism and the critical juncture theory, as this theory investigates periods of significant change. The identified causal mechanism can be divided into two phases (1) the implementation of pre-cautionary measures and (2) the de-legitimization of the current institution. The first phase indirectly stemmed from the risk-averse approach adopted by the UK government and the Department of Transport, due to incomplete intelligence and critical antecedent conditions. Whereas, the second phase indirectly derived from the need for a world-wide aviation security regime reform, as the on-going liquid ban exposed inadequacies in...Show moreThis paper examines the causal relationship between the 2006 aircraft bomb plot and the subsequent rapid institutionalization of liquid restrictions amongst the European aviation sector. Here, the ‘process-tracing’ research method is employed, specifically focuses on theory building. The identified causal mechanism is reviewed through the lens of historical institutionalism and the critical juncture theory, as this theory investigates periods of significant change. The identified causal mechanism can be divided into two phases (1) the implementation of pre-cautionary measures and (2) the de-legitimization of the current institution. The first phase indirectly stemmed from the risk-averse approach adopted by the UK government and the Department of Transport, due to incomplete intelligence and critical antecedent conditions. Whereas, the second phase indirectly derived from the need for a world-wide aviation security regime reform, as the on-going liquid ban exposed inadequacies in current security measures, prompting the need for new screening technologies. Moreover, here the global discontent and economic impacts served as productive factors further highlighted the necessity for reform. By illustrating the influence of a critical juncture on the institutionalization of liquid restrictions, this study extends the scope of historical institutionalism and critical juncture theory. Besides, it enhances the understanding of a crisis response within the aviation industry and elaborates on strengths and weaknesses of the aircraft bomb plot crisis response.Show less

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The 2006 Aircraft Bomb Plot and the institutionalization of liquid restrictions within the European Aviation Industry