Gardenier aims to shed light on what appears to be the emergence of a new society of vigilance. On one hand, citizens are increasingly called upon to participate in policing. On the other, radical groups proclaim themselves as guardians of order and carry out happenings, actions, exposures, and even some acts of violence. Gardenier intends to think particularly about this phenomenon around migratory processes. Calais and Dover have become nexuses of international migration between the European Union and the United Kingdom. For the last few years, a series of anti-migrant groups have been mobilising on both sides of the Channel to counter migrations. Their repertoire of action consists of demonstrations, happenings, but also acts of vigilantism and even violence against migrants. The staging of their actions on socialmedia allows them to build an online community and even mass audience and sometimes to influence public opinion or even the migratory policies of states. Gardenier offers a reflection on these new relationships to security where participation in law and order has become increasingly important, especially as social media has become an extraordinary sounding board. | Towards a Vigilant Society by Matthijs Gardenier, Hardcover | Indigo Chapters