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Ulrich Beck is considered to be one of the most innovative and provocative social science thinkers of the last 50 years. His landmark contribution, Risk Society: Toward a New Modernity, sought to capture the underlying dynamics of the late twentieth century, drawing attention to the anthropogenic dangers generated by capitalist modernization. First published in Germany in 1986 under the title Risikogesellschaft, the best-selling book was translated into several languages and thrust Beck into the academic spotlight. The social and institutional critique presented in Risk Society caused ripples that spread way beyond academia, with the risk society thesis becoming the subject of widespread debate. However, in the field of risk research, Beck's work has received a mixed reception. While some scholars have contested the foundational claims made in the risk society thesis, others have actively deployed the framework to analyze various incidents, processes and transitions. Rather than seeking to cast judgment on the value of Beck's overall contribution to studies of risk in the social sciences, this article seeks to actively deploy three concepts developed by Beck over the course of his career: staging; organized irresponsibility and emancipatory catastrophism. In order to elucidate the explanatory capacity of these concepts, the phenomenon of terrorism is used as a touchstone for discussion. Following on from this and as a means of extending appreciation of Beck's work in risk studies-key areas worthy of further excavation are identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This special issue on the legacy of Ulrich Beck is aimed to stimulate reflection both on the specific uses to which Beck's conceptual and theoretical apparatus can be put within risk studies and the wider significance of his academic project for the social sciences. In this end-piece, we draw out the key themes which surface in the different contributions relating to five particular areas: the nature of risk; advancements in methods; issues of non-knowledge and uncertainty; the development of cosmopolitan risk communities and the situated character of individualization. We discuss the implications of the accounts contained in this special issue and reflect on the impact and influence of Beck's sustained engagement with colleagues around the globe, concluding that the concepts and methods that Beck bequeathed the social sciences are set to live on and thrive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction to this special issue the Journal of Risk Research, based on the translation of the book "Risikogesellschaft," by Ulrich Beck into English as "Risk Society: Towards a New Modernity," and its impact on social sciences, is presented.