Absolute security is an illusion — but our fears are unjustified

Following the knife attack in a shopping mall in the Bondi district of Sydney, there is a huge discussion about “risk perception and security risk.” Events of this magnitude quickly lead to a collective “state of shock.” But how dangerous is our world really and why do we long for the idea of complete security? SBS reporter Benjamin Kanthak spoke about this with security and risk expert Prof. Horst Müller-Peters. He is head of the Insurance Market Research Center at TH Cologne.

People lay flowers for victims of the knife attack at Westfield Bondi Junction shopping center in Sydney, Wednesday, April 17, 2024. Five women and one man were killed while 12 others were seriously injured before the perpetrator was shot dead by police on Saturday during the terrifying shooting at Westfield Bondi Junction. Credit: FLAVIO BRANCALEONE/AAPIMAGE