Risk (n.) is a 'systematic way of dealing with hazards and insecurities induced and introduced by modernization itself. Risks, as opposed to older dangers, are consequences which relate to the threatening force of modernization and to its globalization of doubt. They are politically reflexive'.
Risk (n.) is a discourse which begins where our trust in our security ends.
Risk (n.) is always in a state of virtuality, which is to say, as soon as a risk becomes real (i.e. An act of terrorism) it ceases to be a risk and becomes instead a catastrophe.
Risk (n.) is at the center of social change in that managing risks concerning the negative side effects of capitalism has superseded concern over production and distribution of goods as the central concern of affluent societies.
Risk (n.) is different today from that of earlier times in that, first, they multiply as industrialization produces more risks, and second, they are neither perceptible to the senses nor localized.
Risk (n.) is, in its essence, becoming-real.
Risk (n.) is today a globalizing force as it universalizes and equalizes, affecting everybody in the world, regardless of nationality or class.
Risk (n.) is today such that the only answers to it are supranational ones: Strategic arms reduction talks, earth summits, etc.